Santa Fe council faces protests over proposed lease termination for Pete's Place shelter

Santa Fe's City Council is facing critical discussions surrounding homelessness and shelter services following a recent Governing Body Meeting held on May 28, 2025. The meeting highlighted urgent concerns from community members regarding the future of local shelters, particularly Pete's Place and the Interfaith Community Shelter.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the potential cancellation of the lease for Pete's Place, a vital resource for the city's unhoused population. Joyce Benavides, an employee at Pete's Place, expressed deep concern over the lack of communication regarding this decision, emphasizing that the removal of the shelter could endanger lives. "Pete's Place is more than a shelter. It is a lifeline for individuals who have nothing," she stated, urging the council to consider the human impact of their decisions.

The council also discussed the proposal for a new community of temporary shelters, which has sparked mixed reactions from residents. While some see the initiative as a necessary step towards addressing homelessness, others worry about its implications for neighborhood safety and property values. A resident voiced concerns about the need for adequate staffing and authority to manage the community effectively, stressing that successful transient housing requires professional oversight to ensure safety for both occupants and neighbors.

Lehi Rand, board chair of Pete's Place, acknowledged the city's efforts to allocate funding for homelessness solutions but called for transparency in the decision-making process. He noted that the current location of Pete's Place is inadequate and that plans are underway to find a more suitable site for shelter services.

As discussions continue, the City Council faces the challenge of balancing community concerns with the urgent need for effective homelessness solutions. The outcomes of these deliberations will significantly impact Santa Fe's vulnerable populations and the broader community. The council is expected to provide further updates on these initiatives in the coming weeks, as stakeholders await clarity on the future of shelter services in the city.