Bernalillo County discusses transitional housing amid community concerns and support for Family Promise

Family Promise of Albuquerque received a strong endorsement during the Bernalillo County Commission meeting on June 24, 2025, as community leaders rallied support for the organization’s mission to combat homelessness. With over 20 years of experience, Family Promise focuses on helping families transition from homelessness to stability, providing essential services and skills to empower them for independent living.

Loretta Naranjo Lopez, representing the organization, emphasized the critical role they play in addressing homelessness, inviting commissioners and staff to engage with their programs and volunteer efforts. “What we can really do is help the people around us,” she stated, highlighting the organization’s commitment to community involvement and support.

However, the meeting also revealed significant community concerns regarding the proliferation of transitional and affordable housing in certain neighborhoods. The Santa Barbara Martinez Town Neighborhood Association (SBMTNA) called for a deferral of a request for new housing projects, citing a lack of communication and input from local residents. They expressed frustration over the impact of existing housing services, which they claim have led to increased safety issues and a decline in neighborhood quality.

Dr. Geraldo Cianello and Adam Silverman also spoke at the meeting, with Cianello reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth and advocating for community unity, while Silverman praised the county's efforts in promoting affordable housing initiatives. He acknowledged the importance of these programs in providing stability for families and commended the county’s leadership in tackling homelessness as an economic development issue.

As the meeting concluded, the contrasting perspectives on homelessness and housing solutions underscored the ongoing challenges Bernalillo County faces in balancing community needs with effective support for vulnerable populations. The discussions set the stage for future dialogues on how best to address these pressing issues.