CABQ Mobilizes Cold Weather Shelter and Safety Resources

As colder weather moves into the metro area, the City of Albuquerque is activating its coordinated cold weather response to help residents stay safe, warm, and connected to critical services as well as additional beds and transports.

City leaders from multiple departments, including the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR), Housing and Homelessness (HHH), Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Animal Welfare, and Senior Affairs are working together to ensure residents, pets, and vulnerable neighbors have the support they need during the winter months.

“Our city teams are stepping up once again to make sure no one is left out in the cold,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “From getting people to shelters, to keeping homes and pets safe, to making sure our seniors have the resources they need—this is about protecting our whole community.”

Sheltering and Outreach

Cold weather puts unsheltered people at risk of cold-related injuries, and last year we launched the Shelter Connect Dashboard that shows our first responders in real time where shelter beds are available throughout the city. The City is able to add winter sheltering capacity at Gateway West and the First Responder Receiving Area at the Gateway Center Gibson Main Campus if additional beds are needed. The City will provide a warm bed to anyone experiencing homelessness and willing to take shelter.

Between all of the city’s housing facilities and shelters, there are over 1000 available beds. This includes the renovated West Side Shelter, and the Men’s and Women’s Treatment & Navigation beds at the Gateway Center.

The Department of Housing and Homelessness (HHH) has several pallets of coats, socks, and other winter essentials ready to distribute through local outreach teams and nonprofit partners.

“When the temperatures drop, our priority is making sure every Albuquerque resident has access to a safe and warm place to stay,” said Gilbert Ramirez, Executive Administrator of the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness. “Our Shelter Connect Dashboard allows first responders to see available beds in real time, helping us move quickly to connect people with shelter. We also have coats, socks, and winter essentials ready to distribute through our outreach teams and partners. The City stands ready to expand capacity at Gateway West and the Gateway Center if needed, because no one in our community should be left out in the cold.”

APD’s Police Service Aides (PSAs) are increasing outreach efforts and offering rides to emergency shelters for anyone in need of a warm place to stay. The City’s overnight shelters and partner organizations are preparing for expanded capacity as temperatures drop, with additional supplies being distributed to unsheltered residents.

“Our officers and Police Service Aides are out every day looking out for those who may need a helping hand, especially as temperatures start to drop,” said APD Deputy Chief Cecily Barker. “We’re increasing outreach and offering rides to shelters so that anyone who needs a warm, safe place to stay can get there. This is part of our broader commitment to community policing, protecting our residents and connecting them to the resources that can truly make a difference.”

Albuquerque Community Safety

To help get people inside, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) will again operate its emergency, after-hours transportation service. Between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., the public can call 505-651-5515 to request transportation.

“Albuquerque Community Safety is committed to making sure everyone in our city has access to warmth and safety through the winter months,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “Starting November 1, our Emergency Overnight Shelter Transportation Program will once again be available every night from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Last year alone, we provided more than 4,500 rides to individuals seeking shelter from the cold. Our teams are out there meeting people where they are, assessing their needs, and connecting them to the right support. If you or someone you know needs help finding a warm place to stay, call, we’re here to help.”

ACS will give people a ride to the First Responder Receiving Area at the Gateway Center to have a warm bed for the night. Folks will then be connected to longer-term shelter and services.

Fire and Heating Safety

AFR is reminding residents to stay safe while heating their homes. Crews are sharing fireplace and space heater safety tips and conducting joint operations with APD to address outdoor fires and ensure public safety.

“As temperatures drop, we know people will be looking for ways to stay warm, but we want everyone to do it safely,” said AFR Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo. “Our firefighters are starting outside fire response operations earlier this year to prevent dangerous outdoor fires and protect both lives and property. We’re also working closely with ACS to connect people to shelter or provide warm clothing and blankets when needed. Keeping our community safe through the winter is a team effort, and we’re ready to do our part.”

Throughout the winter months, there is an increase in dangerous outdoor fires. To mitigate the risk to life and property, AFR’s Outside Fire Response Truck will begin operations this month, earlier than past years. When Firefighters extinguish campfires, people will be offered connection to shelter through ACS. For anyone who wishes to remain outdoors, this year, the Outside Fire Response Team will be equipped with blankets and coats to distribute to individuals. AFR encourages anyone who sees fire activity to call 911.

Pet Protection

This is also an important time to remind pet owners to keep their furry family in mind throughout the cold winter months. Bring your pets inside as temperatures dip below freezing and know the signs of hypothermia in pets.

Signs of Hypothermia

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Decreased heartbeat and weak pulse
• Stiff muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Pale or blue gums

If your companion animal shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary attention.

“Even pets with thick fur can get cold,” said Carolyn Ortega, Director of Animal Welfare Department. “Bringing them indoors, providing warm bedding, and monitoring their health are simple steps to keep them safe and comfortable this winter.”

The City’s Animal Welfare Department is partnering with the Bernalillo County Animal Care Services to offer straw bedding while supplies last. Call one of the numbers below to reserve bedding.

• Bernalillo County Animal Care Services, 505-314-0280
• Albuquerque Animal Welfare, 311 (768-2000)

Senior Support

The Department of Senior Affairs is continuing its firewood assistance program to help older adults heat their homes safely and affordably through the winter.

Community Coordination

The City’s coordinated cold weather plan is a joint effort that includes public safety, outreach, animal care, and emergency management teams working together to support Albuquerque residents throughout the season.

Residents can find more information about shelter options, safety tips, and cold weather resources on the City's Winter page. cabq.gov/winter.