26-07-2025
Albuquerque non-profit dealing with funding cuts lays off some staff
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One of New Mexico's biggest non-profits helping the homeless is laying off employees in the face of major federal funding cuts. Hopeworks has been around for almost 40 years now and had about 70 employees until recently. The cuts have led to the laying off of around a quarter of their staff.
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It's not an easy decision for leaders behind Hopeworks. The Albuquerque-based non-profit helping around 8,500 homeless adults and kids each year with housing and medical services is losing a lot of federal funding. That recently led to the layoff of 17 of their employees. 'We had to make these difficult decisions to ensure Hopeworks continued on with their mission in providing services to those unhoused,' said Michele Benavidez, Development Director of Hopeworks.
Hopeworks said the cuts are wide-ranging. They had a loss in grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA). They're losing $45,000 from FEMA that helped pay for an emergency food shelter program. 'We've also had decreasing grants through some pass-throughs that go through HUD from the city of Albuquerque,' said Benavidez.
The non-profit said they've also been seeing fewer donations and less private grant funding, as well. The positions Hopeworks is eliminating are across the board, including case management, housing services, and administrative roles. 'The dedicated staff that are currently here employed with Hopeworks are picking up some of the slack and having to jump in,' said Benavidez.
Hopeworks said it's aiming to continue providing the same level of service while also trying to look for new ways to stay afloat. 'We are committed to serving the community and serving those most in need,' said Benavidez.
The organization is planning on celebrating its 40th anniversary in November, where they hope to gather more donations. Hopeworks recently opened a behavioral health treatment center on 4th Street in downtown Albuquerque. Despite the cuts, services at that facility are expected to continue as planned.
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