Like anyone who lives in or visits the Albuquerque area, it is clear that homelessness is a serious problem. At a recent conference attended by the Rio Grande Foundation, we were able to hear experts from the Austin-based Cicero Institute discuss the situation.
The group offers basic solutions:
1) Ban street camping.
2) Instituting pay-for-performance contracts for those paid by the government to provide services to homeless.
3) Reform mental health admission criteria to allow for 72 hour holds;
4) Provide affordable shelter and service alternatives.
The organization has put out a short documentary on the issue here:
Too bad the City of Albuquerque doesn’t watch this!