Albuquerque City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday, Sept. 15, to approve Executive Communication 481, giving Gateway West an extra $3.55 million, doubling Chicanos Por La Causa’s (CPLC) annual contract to $7.1 million and extending operations through June 2026, even as councilors and residents questioned whether the city’s $121 million Gateway program is producing results. Councilor Dan Champine said he was frustrated that operational improvements took years to implement.
The funding keeps the city’s largest low-barrier shelter open, serving more than 600 people nightly in its 660 beds. Albuquerque’s homeless population reached 2,740 in 2024, according to Albuquerque’s 2024 point-in-time count by the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. Councilors and residents have criticized the Gateway system for unclear outcomes and limited oversight, saying taxpayers deserve better accountability.
Residents Voice Concerns
Jaemes Shanley, a write-in candidate for City Council District 7, said residents are losing patience with the city’s homelessness spending.
“After more than $300 million of city money invested to solve street homelessness, the citizens of Albuquerque are becoming frustrated at the sense of no impact as they observe it on the streets, alleys, sidewalks and increasingly, in their backyards,” Shanley said during public comment.
He said city leaders should make the data public and easy to understand so residents can see how Gateway West is contributing to long-term solutions, not just providing temporary relief.
Some critics say Gateway West has operational “irregularities,” including problems with policies and daily services. Joseph Griego, CPLC New Mexico President, said the organization has made “great strides,” improving capacity, consistency and staff support.
According to EC-481, the new funding will maintain shelter operations, meals, case management, and outreach while city leaders work to provide clearer data on the program’s overall impact.
Adeo Rose Bennett-Herrick, speaking during public comment, said CPLC has caused “numerous irregularities” since taking over Gateway West in January. Bennett-Herrick said residents “had to fight for access to their food,” and described the policies as “designed to corral and to break and to enforce submission.”
Officials Respond
Griego defended the nonprofit’s work during public comment, saying they have “continued to create new programming and monitor bed situations” while hiring local staff for the shelters. He said CPLC is “implementing policies and procedures that protect both clients and staff.”
He said the nonprofit continues to expand services and partner with other organizations to provide a full continuum of care beyond shelter, including case management and support programs for clients.
The vote highlighted ongoing tensions between councilors and Mayor Tim Keller’s administration over Gateway transparency. Councilor Dan Champine, the only “no” vote, questioned why improvements took so long.
“It seems like it’s a drastic change,” Champine said. “Is there any reason why we waited four years? If it’s that big a drastic contrast in companies, why wasn’t it done sooner? We have $1.5 billion in our budget. The state has $10.5 billion… I think the biggest frustration is we’ve sunk $120 million and now we’re saying there’s going to be results. Where were the results four years ago? It’s a little frustrating that we’re finally doing that.”
Champine has opposed several major Gateway contracts this year, including the $8.1 million Recovery Gateway contract in March and both men’s and women’s Housing Navigation Shelter expansion contracts.
However, he has backed using opioid settlement funds to expand Gateway’s treatment capacity, saying the funding gives the city “the opportunity to increase the capacity of Gateway, and to continue developing the additional services needed to get people the long-term help they need.”
Councilor Nichole Rogers said she keeps asking for clear budget info, telling the administration, “It would be helpful if we could get just a little lovely chart of all the gateway networks operating budget, which is what it costs to turn the lights on, what the programmatic costs are, all the contracts for each of the programs.”
Gateway West housed 630 people the night before the council meeting, nearing its 660-bed capacity, according to Charlie Verploegh, deputy director of Health, Housing and Homelessness.
Chicanos Por La Causa employs 52 full-time and three part-time dorm monitors to provide 24/7 coverage across 11 dorms, a major increase from the previous operator.
The facility, the city’s largest low-barrier emergency shelter, has been managed by CPLC since January. Heading Home ran the shelter for seven years before the transition, city officials said.
What’s Next
The city must submit a future funding plan by Dec. 31.
- The state requires the city to detail how it will pay for Gateway operations after the current funding expires. Officials said they’ll seek grants and other sources beyond the general fund.
Council will receive detailed Gateway budget reporting.
- The administration promised comprehensive spending reports for the entire Gateway network after councilors repeatedly asked for clear budget information. The reports will show operational costs, program expenses and how many people each program serves.
Winter sheltering plans may expand Gateway capacity by 30 beds.
- Gateway West can house 30 extra people beyond its 660-bed limit during severe weather. The expansion kicks in when temperatures hit 32°F or below, with harsh wind chill or other extreme conditions. Emergency housing typically lasts three days or less unless severe weather continues.