Gateway West Hosts “Sunset on the Mesa” Trunk-or-Treat Resource Fair, Connecting Residents with Dozens of Community Providers
More than 30 organizations gathered to meet Gateway West residents with resources, information, and support
Gateway West recently hosted “Sunset on the Mesa,” a Trunk-or-Treat Resource Fair that brought together more than 30 community providers to connect directly with residents of the City’s largest shelter. The event drew organizations from across Albuquerque’s behavioral health, housing, recovery, and social services landscape, each setting up at the 7440 Jim McDowell NW campus to offer resources, information, and conversation in a welcoming, community-centered setting.
“When you bring resources directly to the people who need them in a setting that feels welcoming and not clinical, something different happens,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “People shouldn’t have to navigate a maze of services when they’re already trying to get back on their feet. Bringing dozens of providers directly to Gateway West makes it easier to get connected, build trust, and take the next step toward stability.”
The fair was organized in partnership with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico and Chicanos Por La Causa, which operates Gateway West on behalf of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness (HHH). Providers participated from their vehicle trunks — decorated for the season — giving the event a festive tone while centering practical connection to services.
Participating organizations included: YDI, Ensemble, Porch Light Health, Casa De Salud, Hopeworks, NAMI Albuquerque, Barrett Foundation, NW Children’s Medical Services PM, Street Cat Hub, Albuquerque Behavioral Care, Disability Rights New Mexico, Sagebrush Church, Truman Health, Community Bridges, BCBS, Vancro, ACS, Love Is Healing, Meridian Behavioral Health Inc, Icarus Recovery Center, NM Peer Coalition, Peak Behavioral Health, Peer Support Services – UNM Psychiatric Center, Haven Behavioral Hospital, Collins Guidance Counseling, Sandia Purpose Recovery Services, ABQ Wellness, and PB&J Family Services.
Preliminary provider reports from Sunset on the Mesa document more than 600 client interactions, connecting Gateway West residents with community resources and basic necessities. Additional provider reports are still being collected.
“Our goal is always to reduce the distance between residents and the services that can help them move forward,” said Gilbert Ramirez, Director of the City of Albuquerque Department of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “The response from providers was extraordinary. Every organization here tonight chose to be here, and that kind of investment in our residents matters.”
“Gateway West is a community, and events like this remind our residents that the broader Albuquerque community sees them and wants to support them,” said Richard Gaczewski, Gateway West Coordinator. “When providers come out here, sit with people, and have real conversations, we can build lasting trust. That’s how people take the next step.”
Gateway West is a 24/7 supportive shelter for individuals and families, offering overnight beds, meals, laundry, case management, and shuttle service. It is the City’s largest shelter, with capacity for more than 150 residents, and is operated by Chicanos Por La Causa in partnership with the City’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness.
The Trunk-or-Treat Resource Fair was the second major community event at Gateway West in 2026, following a Summer Community Resource Fair in June that generated more than 1,000 connections between providers and residents.