ABQ city councilor proposes program that would provide day jobs to homeless people

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – In an effort to curb homelessness in the metro, a city councilor is pushing a new pilot program that would provide jobs to those experiencing homelessness- but it will need city council approval before the work begins. “If we’re able to help just a few people I think it’s well worth doing,” said city councilor Renee Grout, sponsor of the program.

Councilor Grout is spearheading the push to bring temporary day jobs to people experiencing homelessness. She expects to introduce it at the city council meeting Monday evening. “It might be the next step in finding them a full-time job,” Grout explained.

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It’s not the first time the city has tried to implement a program like this. Back in 2015, the “There’s a Better Way” program provided over 6,000 jobs for the homeless. Councilor Grout hopes her proposed program can do the same. “We get people back to work, we get people excited about the program, feeling good about themselves,” Councilor Grout added.

If approved by city council, the proposed pilot program would be created under the Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department.

We know that many people are experiencing homelessness due to economic factors, which is why programs to help job seekers get back on their feet are an important part of our system of care, and why we’ve built in job support for clients at the Gateway Center. The City has been working with community partners like Heading Home and their Job Connect program and UA Local 412’s apprenticeship readiness program to offer pathways to full time work. We are reviewing Councilor Grout’s resolution and look forward conversations with the Council about the best way to connect people to employment opportunities.

City of Albuquerque Health, Housing & Homelessness Department

Councilor Grout says she is waiting to see if the program is approved to figure out how much it would cost, and how long it would run for. She added that operating the program for a minimum of six months is a good start, arguing this would give time to study how effective it has been. “We want to be measuring it as we’re going along so we can get that data, see what works,” Councilor Grout said.

The city last week said more than 60% of the homeless refuse any services or help. When asked about this, Councilor Grout says she’s well aware that not everyone may welcome their assistance. “Yes, there are lots of people that all they want to do is their drugs and that’s it, and that’s sad,” Councilor Grout explained. “But I know there’s a lot of people, I’m sure there’s a lot of people that would like to go back to work.”

If city council approves the proposal, the Health, Housing, and Homelessness Department would have 60 days to create a plan and budget for the program. Grout says there are always openings for city jobs in Parks and Recreation, and Solid Waste. She believes the homeless could fill these openings.

A group of people from several city departments would be in charge of conducting studies on the program. Once the pilot is complete, a decision would be made to keep it, scrap it, or expand the project.

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