Struggles persist with the red tape encircling the safe haven program for the homeless, raising questions about whether legal reform could rescues it.
In the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city grappling with an estimated 2,740 homeless individuals, efforts are underway to increase safe spaces for those in need. A new amendment is making its way through City Council, aiming to break down barriers and create a more welcoming environment for organizations willing to help.
The Safe Outdoor Spaces program, designed to provide places for homeless individuals to sleep off the streets, has struggled to gain momentum due to expensive and stringent regulatory and staffing requirements. These challenges have largely stemmed from the existing ordinance, which mandates 24/7 security, permanent shower facilities, and dedicated space for service providers, resulting in annual costs exceeding $100,000.
Recognizing the over-regulation of the program, Mayor Tim Keller argues that the government should reduce these burdens to make it easier for nonprofits and churches to open legal encampments. The proposed solutions involve easing or changing the relevant city ordinances to lower financial and operational barriers.
These changes include relaxing the 24/7 security requirement, reducing infrastructure mandates such as permanent showers, and simplifying space-use and staffing regulations to make it financially viable for nonprofits and churches to operate Safe Outdoor Spaces. The new amendments, proposed by City Councilor Nichole Rogers at the request of the mayor's office, also mandate a minimum of three social services, such as peer support, connecting residents with housing resources, or offering GED assistance or adult education.
Michael Maldonado, a person experiencing homelessness, highlighted the importance of safe spaces, stating that they can be a second chance for individuals. He shared his positive experience at the New Creation Church safe space, the first and only one approved by the city in Albuquerque since 2020. Maldonado expressed that the safe space has been a blessing and has helped him make a safe transition.
The new amendments are expected to encourage more community organizations to open such sites, helping Albuquerque address its homelessness crisis more effectively. The City Council is set to consider these proposed ordinance changes soon, with public input opportunities slated for next month.
In the past, businesses like Quirky Books have faced challenges due to the city law, which requires a permitted safe space to maintain 24/7 staff, offer food, mental, and physical health services. Quirky Books owner Gillam Kerley paid a $1,500 fine for an encampment of homeless individuals in his store's parking lot, stating that the requirements to operate a safe space above board are too expensive and labor-intensive. However, Kerley is not mentioned as being affected by the new amendments.
As of April, only one safe outdoor space (New Creation Church on Zuni) has been approved by the city in the three years since the program's inception. The pastor of New Creation Church decided to do more to help the homeless population in 2020, leading to the creation of the safe space.
The proposed regulatory reform aims to cut red tape, enabling easier establishment and sustainability of such spaces by nonprofits and churches. This is a significant step towards addressing Albuquerque's homelessness crisis and providing a safer, more supportive environment for those in need.
- The new amendments in Albuquerque City Council aim to lower financial and operational barriers, facilitating easier establishment of Safe Outdoor Spaces by nonprofits and churches.
- Springing from the over-regulation of the Safe Outdoor Spaces program, the City Council is proposing to ease or change city ordinances, such as relaxing the 24/7 security requirement and reducing infrastructure mandates.
- Michael Maldonado, a homeless individual, expressed his gratitude for the New Creation Church safe space, stating it provided a safe transition and a second chance for people in need.
- Businesses, like Quirky Books, have faced challenges due to the city's law requiring 24/7 staff, food, and health services for Safe Outdoor Spaces, leading to $1,500 fines and complications in operating these spaces legally.
- In the quest to address Albuquerque's homelessness crisis, the proposed regulatory reforms intend to create a more welcoming environment for organizations willing to help by cutting red tape, making it possible for Safe Outdoor Spaces to be sustainable and safer for those in need.
