The Centene Charitable Foundation and Western Sky Community Care have announced a $3 million commitment to the One Albuquerque Fund in support of the Gateway project.

The project is focused on addressing key service gaps for homeless populations, including providing a new center for emergency overnight beds with wraparound services such as case management, a 24/7 receiving area for first responders, medical sobering, and medical respite. The City of Albuquerque acquired the Gibson Medical Center, which already serves as a health hub with six existing tenants providing care services. As part of the hub, the Gateway will add health resources for the homeless community, as well as centrally located emergency overnight beds and supportive services toward permanent housing.

According to the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, more than 1,300 people in Albuquerque sleep in shelters or on the streets each night. Despite the growing need, however, there currently are few options for comprehensive, trauma-informed services in the city.

“Reducing homelessness is a community effort, and we all need to be part of the solution,” said Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller. “We are grateful to Western Sky and the Centene Charitable Foundation for stepping up to support the Gateway. With the services coming, including the city’s first-ever 24/7 first responder receiving area, Albuquerque will be better positioned to move the needle and get people the help they need.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Phil Augustavo)