Haaland Gets First Hand Look at Efforts to Address Homelessness in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – This week, Deb Haaland, candidate for New Mexico governor, got on-the-ground insight as programs delivered services to people struggling with homelessness in Albuquerque. During the visit, Haaland was briefed on the medical services, social support, and food services that Street Medicine and Albuquerque Community Safety Department provide.  

“As we tackle our state’s most pressing challenges, we must meet people where they are. I know what that’s like – I was lucky, when I was ready to get sober, I had family and support to do that. When I was trying to get a down payment together, my child and I had places to stay. As governor, I will work to lower the cost of housing so people don’t end up on the street in the first place, and expand rehabilitation and addiction services, so we can get a handle on homelessness in our state,” said Haaland. 

As governor, Haaland’s vision includes using the new behavioral health fund to expand wrap-around services like the program that UNM Street Medicine and Albuquerque Community Safety Department administer, increasing the stock of affordable housing, and getting illegal drugs off the streets by targeting drug runners and organized crime. 

Haaland has a strong record standing up for New Mexicans in need of housing and mental health support. As a Congresswoman representing New Mexico, she included funding for Project ECHO, a program that trains medical and behavioral health professionals across the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic Haaland repeatedly supported tenant protections and as Secretary of the Interior, she increased housing stock in rural areas surrounding national parks and public lands.