Gateway Center Hit Major Milestone, Helping Hundreds
Gibson location reached capacity for the first time.
Nearly 200 people are on the path to housing at the City of Albuquerque’s Gateway Center, which reached 100% capacity for the first time since expanding services in late 2025.
While the city offers shelter to more than 1,000 people nightly, the Gateway Center on Gibson provides specialized help for those who agree to behavioral intervention and other counseling that allows them to access full-time housing.
“People are choosing this help, which is a positive step toward getting them off the streets and into homes,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is why we built the Gateway Center, and it shows that our investment is meeting a real need.”
Mayor Keller and city councilors first opened the Gateway Center to provide treatment and housing in 2023. Since then, the State of New Mexico has invested in its expansion. Today 100 women and 92 men can be served at a time. It also has a first responder receiving area, which provides overnight connections to short- and long-term resources and treatment.
“We are successfully linking many of our services at the Gateway Center, like programs to help people get sober or find housing,” said Gateway Operations Officer Jennifer McDonald. “People who come to us seek comprehensive support that will lead to long-term stability.”
Slots at the Gateway Center open up as people succeed in the program and find long-term housing. The center is also home to eight commercial tenants that align with its mission, including three accredited hospitals.
The Gateway Center is part of the overall Gateway System of Care, which includes:
- Gateway West, a low-barrier facility for up to 660 people experiencing homelessness.
- Gateway Family, which accommodates those with children.
- Gateway Recovery, a 50-resident micro-community specializing in substance use treatment.
- Gateway Young Adult, a housing and support center for ages 18-25 opening this spring.
Shelter services are always available at one of the city’s Gateway locations. If you or someone you know needs assistance, Albuquerque Community Safety offers shelter transport by calling 505-651-5515.