Families at Gateway Enjoy Holiday Celebration

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the 65 families staying at Gateway Family were treated to a special holiday celebration thanks to volunteers, City staff, and Heading Home. Families enjoyed a meal with pozole and hot dogs for the kids. After dinner, Santa and the Grinch paid the kids a surprise visit and handed out gifts.  Ahead of the event, the operator of Gateway Family, Heading Home, organized an Adopt-a-Family event and collected donated gifts for each child at Gateway Family for the holiday party.

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The holiday cheer didn’t end there. Families also made their own ornaments, stopped by the photo booth for family photos, and sipped hot chocolate to holiday music. Families say the event provided a much-needed reprieve and a chance to enjoy each other’s company.

Aiden, who attended the holiday celebration with his mom, says, “I had fun enjoying the food, and I enjoyed meeting Santa and the Grinch. I’m so happy that everybody’s here.”

“Every parent deserves time to celebrate the holiday season with their kids,” said Mayor Tim Keller.  “Families enjoyed a memorable, fun-filled evening as they continue on the pathway to housing—something we look forward to offering families for years to come.”

Residents at the Family Gateway are referred to the 90-day program, which provides a safe space for families to stay while they are connected to resources, including affordable and supportive housing.

“I would like to thank the volunteers who made this a special day for Families,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director, Gilbert Ramirez. “Housing navigation can be a stressful process, and today, families were able to take a break and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.”

8 Volunteers helped make the holiday party, organized by Heading Home and City staff, possible.