Unhoused in Albuquerque

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Lou DiVizio returns to the podcast with headlines from around the state, including news that 1-in-3 New Mexico counties is considered a "maternity care desert."

Then, Lou speaks with three experts about the City of Albuquerque’s approach when dealing with a growing number of homeless people. Attorney Peter Cubra, Rachel Biggs from Health Care for the Homeless and District 6 City Councilor Nichole Rogers share their perspectives on how city officials deal with encampments, the data being used and ignored that could help paint a more detailed picture of homelessness in the city, and how the various entities working to solve this problem can create a more collaborative relationship.

After that, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor zooms in on the Albuquerque Human Rights Board’s recent draft report alleging the city routinely “violates the autonomy, dignity and rights” of people experiencing homelessness.

First, Jeff speaks with the chair of the board that created the report, Anami Dass. Jeff asks about the methodology behind the report, the allegations the board has made and recommendations to remedy the situation.

Then, Jeff speaks with Albuquerque City Attorney Lauren Keefe for the city’s response to the report and for an update on the city’s policies and practices for clearing encampments. Jeff also asks about recent reporting that Mayor Tim Keller is interested in working with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on an ordinance similar to California Governor Gavin Newsome’s executive order calling for state government and local municipalities to remove encampments.

Host: Lou DiVizio

Segments:

Understanding Encampment Responses Since SCOTUS Decision

Correspondent: Lou DiVizio

Guests:

Peter Cubra, attorney, Coalition for a Safer Albuquerque

Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque city councilor, District 6

Rachel Biggs, chief strategy officer, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless

ABQ Human Rights Board Alleges Violations of Homeless Rights

Correspondent: Jeff Proctor

Guest: Anami Dass, chair, Albuquerque Human Rights Board

ABQ City Attorney Explains City’s Homelessness Policies

Correspondent: Jeff Proctor

Guest: Lauren Keefe, city attorney, City of Albuquerque

Working Towards Solutions for Albuquerque’s Unhoused

Correspondent: Lou DiVizio

Guests:

Peter Cubra, attorney, Coalition for a Safer Albuquerque

Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque city councilor, District 6

Rachel Biggs, chief strategy officer, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless

For More Information:

Report & Recommendations on the Rights of People Experiencing Homelessness – Albuquerque Human Rights Board

Homelessness increased again across NM since last year, according to latest ‘point-in-time’ count – Source New Mexico

2024 Point-In-Time Count – New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness