The City of Albuquerque is calling on residents to help ease the burden on families experiencing housing insecurity by donating school supplies through a back-to-school drive benefiting 65 families at Gateway Family.
The donation campaign will collect essential school items, including loose-leaf paper, binders, notebooks, pencils, backpacks and new shoes for children whose families are working toward permanent housing. Collection boxes have been placed at all four City Health and Social Services Centers and participating City Libraries, with an online Amazon Wishlist also available for donations.
Gateway Family operates as a 90-day program providing comprehensive services to families experiencing housing insecurity. The program connects families to the McKinney-Vento program, which specifically supports homeless children’s educational success while also helping families secure permanent housing.
“When kids walk into the classroom prepared, they can focus on learning, and our community can help make that possible,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Each donation is helping improve educational outcomes, promoting confidence as students prepare for the upcoming school year, and supporting the mental health of students at Gateway Family.”
The complete list of needed items includes basic supplies like pens, colored pencils, crayons, and markers, as well as practical items such as pencil boxes, padlocks, lunch boxes, water bottles and calculators.
For families beyond Gateway Family who need back-to-school assistance, the City will also host “Cruzin’ into the School Year” on August 2nd at the West Mesa & Cesar Chavez Community Centers.