Council funds $3.438 million for expanded homelessness response, outreach sites and security along Cerrillos corridor

Directors Henry Hammond Paul (Community Services) and Julie Sanchez (Youth and Family Services) presented a BAR to allocate $3,438,000 to support Connect, homelessness solutions, guaranteed income pilots and immigration support, and to fund outreach, day‑use sites and security coverage for priority corridors.

Hammond Paul said the proposal takes a data‑driven approach focused on hotspot areas, in particular the Cerrillos Road corridor, and will combine (a) community‑based public‑safety teams trained in conflict resolution and de‑escalation, (b) outreach to connect people to services, (c) daytime service spaces (one for Cerrillos corridor and one near De Vargas Park) where individuals can access services and store belongings, and (d) storage options to reduce on‑street belongings. He said the program will complement — not replace — existing services such as Park Rangers, ARU and police, and that outreach staff will be recruited from the local workforce where possible.

Councilors asked about safe‑parking options, coordination with park rangers and ARU, and whether the model has been effective elsewhere. Hammond Paul and Sanchez said similar models have been piloted in other cities and that coordinated services plus safe daytime spaces and storage reduce disruptive behaviors and increase service uptake. Councilors asked that staff return with regular updates to the Quality of Life Committee on implementation and outcomes.

The motion to approve passed on a roll call: Councilors Castro, Chavis, Garcia, Faulkner and the chair voted yes (5–0).