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Gateway West Offers Pathways to Hope and Healing with Premier, Nationally Recognized Operator

Chicanos Por La Causa Now Running Gateway West
January 16, 2025

ALBUQUERQUE — Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) has officially transitioned into its new role as operator of Gateway West, the City of Albuquerque’s largest shelter. They are taking over from Heading Home, which has served as the operator since 2018. Heading Home is now gearing up to open the Gateway Medical Respite Center.

In addition to managing operations at Gateway West, CPLC will soon begin offering case management for residents up to 59 years old. Sierra Health Care is currently providing case management services to senior citizens at Gateway West through a contract with the Department of Youth and Family Services. According to data provided by the City/County Area Agency on Aging, Sierra is actively working with 151 people at Gateway West. Today, 63 people are on the pathway to housing. 

Since taking over as the operator, CPLC has served an average of 600 per night, with cold winter nights bringing in more than 630 people.

Read about the City’s Cold Weather Sheltering Plan.

The City of Albuquerque is renovating all dorms at Gateway West, including new beds, secure under-bed storage, and laundry services. Nine out of 12 dorms have been renovated so far.

“Eight years ago, Gateway West was only a winter shelter that served a couple hundred people. Now we are transforming Gateway West into a hub where people get more than just shelter,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “People will be connected to a case manager, vital resources, and another Gateway Network service as we support their journey to housing stability.”

“We are creating a safer, more welcoming Gateway West that meets the needs of our community,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Part of that is creating a culture where shelter is not the destination, it’s a stop on the pathway to housing and services. CPLC is key to creating this culture.”

Video of Gateway West

CPLC says as the new Operator, they are incorporating their values, including prioritizing pathways to housing and a belief that everyone deserves to live a meaningful life with dignity. 

“For more than 14 years, Chicanos Por La Causa has created long-lasting impact in New Mexican communities by empowering diverse populations with dignity and care through our programs. From individuals to families to small businesses, we have been able to adapt our services to meet the needs of our neighbors where they need it the most,” said Joseph Griego, CPLC New Mexico President. “Now, CPLC has the opportunity to support Gateway West with expanded resource navigation and be a place where individuals can take steps building back an empowered life with stable shelter.”

ABOUT CPLC 

CPLC was formed in 1969 by a coalition of community members who fought racial discrimination. Over the years, CPLC expanded its scope by providing access to health and human services, housing, education, economic development, and advocacy. CPLC has offices in six southwestern states.Their New Mexico headquarters is in Albuquerque. CPLC has helped more than 200,000 individuals and families in 21 New Mexico cities, including Albuquerque, Deming, Gallup, and Santa Fe. 

CPLC has extensive experience managing similar shelters in other states, including operating the Domestic Violence Shelter and Homeless Family Shelter in Phoenix. CPLC also operated an emergency influx site for unaccompanied minors in Hidalgo County, Texas, where they provided medical and educational services and reunited more than 1,400 children with their families.