Santa Fe plans expansion of transitional housing to combat homelessness crisis

During the recent Governing Body Committee Meeting held on March 12, 2025, the Santa Fe City Council addressed critical issues surrounding homelessness in the community. With a current emergency shelter system that provides approximately 285 beds, the city faces a significant shortfall of 105 beds to adequately support its unhoused population. This deficit highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to address homelessness in Santa Fe.

A key focus of the meeting was the alarming statistic reported by Santa Fe Public Schools, which identified 741 homeless youth within the district. This broader definition of homelessness includes not only those living on the streets but also individuals who are housing unstable, such as those staying with relatives or friends. Additionally, the Santa Fe Veterans Advisory Board reported 15 homeless veterans in the area, emphasizing the need for targeted support for this vulnerable population.

The discussion also centered on the city's approach to homelessness, which encompasses a continuum of housing solutions. The council emphasized the importance of transitional and temporary housing, particularly through the implementation of micro communities. These communities utilize pallet units designed for rapid deployment, serving as a stopgap while more permanent housing solutions are developed. The effectiveness of such units has been demonstrated in other cities, where they have led to decreases in crime and increases in nearby property values.

Santa Fe's pilot micro community, operational for one year, has successfully housed nine individuals permanently, with many receiving necessary support services. The city is now entering a second phase of this initiative, aiming to expand the number of micro community sites based on lessons learned from the pilot. Plans are in place to secure funding for additional units and to engage the community in the site selection process.

The council outlined a comprehensive community engagement strategy, which includes citywide public education sessions, district-level conversations, and site-specific discussions with local residents. This approach aims to ensure transparency and foster collaboration among stakeholders, including service providers and community organizations.

As the city moves forward with its plans, the focus remains on balancing the needs of the unhoused population with community concerns. The council's commitment to addressing homelessness through intentional and well-managed solutions reflects a proactive stance in tackling this pressing issue. The anticipated next steps include finalizing site selections for new micro communities and continuing to engage the public in meaningful dialogue about homelessness in Santa Fe.