City of Albuquerque's A Better Way Forward program helps man get out of shelter
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'I was staying with a friend, and that friend ended up passing away,y and that kind of put me in a bad situation, and that's how I found myself living at the Westside,' said McAlister.
Elijah spent two years on the streets and then a year at the shelter, in what he called a slump. 'I was kinda like down on my luck and didn't know which way I was going to go, how things were gonna turn out,' said McAlister. 'One of the people that bunks with me inside of there, they came to me with the idea that I should come down to the Duke City and give it a try.'
So he joined the city's 'A Better Way Forward' program, which gives work opportunities to the homeless throughout the metro. He started months ago and has since moved into a full-time role as a Duke City Ambassador. 'It was a beautiful experience, it actually happened so fast that I got caught up in the moment, I couldn't believe it was happening, it was actually a blessing because it happened so fast,' said McAlister.
'It's a wonderful feeling to be able to help them but also to see how they blossom and be able to move forward,' said DCA Operations Manager Deiandra Cole.
As an ambassador, McAlister helps clean up along Central Ave. in Nob Hill and Downtown. He's also out there to be a friendly face, but not only for tourists. 'No one is exempt in my eyes,' said McAlister.
He uses his position to inspire others to take the same steps. 'The number one thing is trying to get the people to receive the help, and I think that's our goal right now,' said McAlister.
McAlister moved into temporary housing in March. He hopes to continue with the Duke City Ambassadors and share his story as inspiration for others to get off the streets.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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