Tiny homes not enough
A VERY GOOD series of articles (last) week in the Journal regarding the homeless in Albuquerque and the programs and attempts to help them. The basic message to us all should be that it’s not enough to help them survive in a heartfelt but short-term way, namely by giving them money or food on the street corners; rather there must be a planned and focused program that provides opportunity to improve (their) situation(s) with the goal toward an everyday secure and stable life. Even taking meals or similar support to their refuges — parks, underpasses, alleys, etc.— does little to get them on a path to stability and self-esteem.
The ideas of hav(ing) some form of campus such as Hopeworks is planning and (is) being operated in other cities where there not only is security and safety but proactive provision of recovery and improvement services seems to be what we should be advocating and doing in Albuquerque. However, it appears that the tiny home proposals do not include the type of recovery services most essential — addiction, mental illness, physical health, for example. So, are there other possibilities?
Consider this one. There is a large essentially empty shopping center at the NE corner of Juan Tabo and Central that includes a large former grocery store and numerous smaller store front(s). Why not look into converting the large building to a multi-person dwelling, essentially comparable to dormitories, and include indoor bathrooms and a central kitchen/dining area where the multiplicity of donating groups could provide meals? Then assign the various other storefronts to support groups or training centers so they can both readily communicate with the homeless and also offer private or group help of all kinds. In fact, establish a police substation in one of the storefronts. This could convert a current blot and eyesore to a location focused on the safety, security and assistance wanted and needed by most homeless. Bus service is also available on both main streets there.
There are probably other strip malls or similar locations around Albuquerque that could be converted to the same purpose, but the one at Juan Tabo and Central just happens to be the one selected as an example.
Basically, sober living at a larger scale but with the same rules and regulations. Plus a gain to the city. Possible? CHRISTOPHER M. TIMM Albuquerque