Mayor Keller Announces Ways for Community to Help During Coronavirus Response

March 16, 2020

As federal, state and local governments respond to the coronavirus, many Albuquerque residents are asking how they can help. While many in-person volunteer opportunities are suspended due to social distancing, there are still ways to make a difference. This coming week, Mayor Keller will be virtually convening the City’s Volunteers Advisory Board to help coordinate efforts and City-related foundations will be distributing money to critical programs.

“During this challenging time for our community, there are countless people stepping up and asking how they can help,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is the One Albuquerque spirit; we are strong and resilient, and we can all pitch in to alleviate the impacts on those most in need. Even with social distancing in place, there are many ways to ‘be there’ for each other.”

See the following ways to help: 

Donate Time and Money

• Donate to the One Albuquerque Fund that will be expediting housing vouchers to get people experiencing homelessness off the streets at https://one-albuquerque-fund.snwbll.com/one-albuquerque-fund.
• Donate to the APD Chaplain’s Fund that assists members of the Albuquerque Police Department, their families and the community by calling (505) 768-2131.
• Donate to the City’s Donation Drive for Seniors at locations around Albuquerque listed here: http://cabq.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=507886
• Donate to the City’s Health and Social Service Centers that will distribute funds to help people who cannot pay their rent. Checks can be made payable to: FCS Health and Social Services and mailed to these locations:
• Alamosa Health & Social Service Center - (505) 836-8800 - 6900 Gonzales SW, Albuquerque, NM 87121.
• Los Griegos Health & Social Service Center - (505) 761-4050 - 1231 Candelaria NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.
• John Marshall Health & Social Service Center - (505) 848-1345 - 1500 Walter SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.
• East Central Health & Social Service Center - (505) 767-5700 - 7525 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
• Help feed the homeless by purchasing or preparing meals and/or snacks for those who are staying at the City’s Westside Emergency Housing Center. Sign up at cabq.gov/mealservice. There are several time slots available and volunteers will not deliver any food to the shelter.  
• Donate to organizations providing motel vouchers to people experiencing homelessness here.
• Hospitals are experiencing a significant decrease in blood donations. Donate blood at the Vitalent blood collection center, 1515 University NE, where infection control measures are in place.
• Donate items to the Wilson Middle School Family Resource Center by calling 505-301-5070.
• Buy gift certificates from local businesses for use at a later time.

Check on family, friends and neighbors

• Organize in your own neighborhood by phone and email to make sure that neighbors have the necessities and assistance they need.
• Help prevent evictions by viewing our eviction projection page.
• Stand up to racism and xenophobia by reporting discrimination related to employment, housing, public accommodation and other forms of discrimination.

Share accurate information

911 should be used for emergencies only.

City services

• Share information about impacts to City services and Coronavirus FAQs in multiple languages.
• View the Coronavirus business resources guide.

Albuquerque Public Schools

• For information on 89 grab and go meal sites, see https://www.aps.edu/news/coronavirus/aps-identifies-89-sites-for-student-meal-pick-ups

State of New Mexico

• Urge those who believe they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to call the New Mexico Department of Health at 855-600-3453. This is the number to call for inquiries.
• For unemployment assistance, visit: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info
• For help with child care, food, supplies or loss of income call the state hotline at 1-833-551-0518.