07-04-2025
New Albuquerque program aims to boost work opportunities for homeless
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The city is one step away from providing work opportunities for homeless people through a new program called A Better Way Forward. 'A lot of people just need a job, some meaningful work. Gives them a paycheck and gives them everything that comes with that, whether it be the personal dignity, satisfaction or that actually funding to find things like housing, food, and so forth,' said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
According to city documents, the program would offer jobs that focus on cleaning and maintaining parts of the city and would be available to people staying at the Gateway Center and Gateway West. The city says the program aims to build self-reliance and stability for homeless people, with a long-term goal of reducing homelessness.
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'This gives them the quick opportunity to not only engage but feel proud of the money they are earning and see an exit to the situation they are in with additional help,' said Director of Health for the Housing & Homelessness Department, Gilbert Ramirez.
If approved by the city council, the program could employ up to 16 people at $12 an hour with 40-hour work weeks. It's expected to cost just under $650,000 for the first year. That program is expected to go before the city council on Monday for final approval.
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