Santa Fe city councilors are set to meet Tuesday evening to consider two funding proposals from the nonprofit Urban Alchemy that serve people experiencing homelessness. The combined request totals roughly $2 million and would cover six months of operations for both a congregate shelter and a street‑outreach program.
Funding details
The first proposal seeks $1.4 million to continue shelter services at Agape House, located at 2801 Cerrillos Road. The second asks for $600,000 to fund the Oasis Day‑shelter outreach effort, which provides on‑the‑ground assistance such as water, clothing and referrals to other resources.
Community Services Director Sandra Emory explained that the money would carry the programs through the end of the city’s fiscal year. The outreach contract is part of an existing four‑year agreement, while the shelter contract was originally approved for six months with the option to extend twice.
Program impact
Emory reported that Agape House operates at 94‑95 % bed occupancy and serves an average of 117 clients each month, based on data from July through September. All residents receive case management and individualized service plans, and many have transitioned to more stable housing.
Urban Alchemy’s outreach team has logged more than 1,400 engagements, ranging from distributing essential supplies to connecting individuals with additional services. According to Emory, more than 500 people experience street homelessness daily in Santa Fe, while the city’s total shelter capacity—including Agape House—is about 350 beds.
Potential consequences of a funding shortfall
If the council does not approve the shelter funding, Agape House would cease to operate as a congregate shelter, though other shelters in the city would remain open. A denial of the outreach funding would prompt the city to consult its attorney about the legal steps required to cancel the existing contract.
Emory noted that the city is actively seeking additional funding sources and is developing a comprehensive homelessness strategy, which is expected to be completed within six months. “I think that’s the biggest takeaway is that we continue to look for funding,” she said. “We’re hoping that there could be state and federal funding available as we move into the new year.”
Council meeting details
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents who wish to comment on the proposals are encouraged to attend or submit written remarks to the city clerk’s office before the meeting.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
