Santa Fe plans new micro community to combat homelessness near Fire Station 7

At the recent Santa Fe City Council meeting, the urgent issue of homelessness took center stage, with officials discussing a new resolution aimed at establishing micro communities to address the growing crisis. Director of Community Health and Safety highlighted the dire statistics, revealing that Santa Fe has approximately 400 individuals on a "by name" list of the homeless, while only 280 shelter beds are available. This stark reality underscores the critical need for more resources to support the city's vulnerable populations.

The resolution proposes the development of a micro community near Fire Station 7, which is expected to provide 30 to 50 units, adding around 60 beds to the city's homelessness response system. This initiative aims to create stable, supportive environments where residents can access services and work towards permanent housing. The director emphasized the success of a pilot program already in place, where 72% of participants have transitioned to permanent housing within a year.

Community engagement is a key component of the resolution, with plans for public input and discussions about the site and its operations. The director reassured residents that the micro communities would be managed by trained staff 24/7 and would focus on families and children, addressing the alarming statistic of 741 homeless students reported in Santa Fe Public Schools.

While the resolution does not initiate immediate construction, it sets the groundwork for planning and community involvement. The city is committed to transparency and accountability, with provisions for biannual reporting and a three-year reauthorization requirement to ensure the effectiveness of the initiative.

As the city grapples with a regional homelessness crisis, officials are calling for collaboration with state, county, and community partners to tackle this pressing issue. The anticipated timeline for community engagement is set for mid-June through September, with hopes of breaking ground in early fall. The resolution marks a significant step forward in Santa Fe's efforts to provide meaningful solutions for its homeless population.