Albuquerque, N.M. – With the echoes of pleas to address Albuquerque’s homeless crisis reverberating from the streets to the legislative halls, the city finds itself at a pivotal moment. Amidst the clamor for solutions, local attorney Daymon Ely is stepping forward with a comprehensive plan aimed at tackling the issue head-on.

Scheduled to be presented before the Albuquerque City Council next month, Ely’s 62-page proposal signifies a concerted effort to organize and implement substantial changes promptly. They don’t have to agree with me. But at least we’re talking then about a plan so that we can approach the legislature and say, Okay, we are unified in a plan short, medium, long term goals, emphasized Attorney Daymon Ely.

Crafted over the course of a year, Ely’s plan addresses one of the city’s foremost concerns: homelessness. As a volunteer collaborator with the city, Ely has meticulously outlined strategies to confront this pressing issue. I called in various locales, it is not unique to Albuquerque not to have a plan, remarked Ely.

According to the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, Albuquerque is home to an estimated homeless population of 2,394 individuals. Ely identifies several contributing factors, including substance abuse, limited access to services, and, most significantly, a shortage of affordable housing. While acknowledging the city’s existing initiatives, Ely emphasizes the need for more efficient coordination to effectively reach those living on the streets.

The initial phase of Ely’s plan focuses on short-term solutions, particularly improving the conditions and accessibility of existing shelters like the Westside Emergency Housing Center. Recognizing the reluctance of some individuals to utilize these facilities, Ely underscores the importance of creating welcoming environments conducive to providing essential services.

Transitioning to intermediate measures, Ely proposes acquiring additional properties, such as motels and office spaces, for conversion into transitional and short-term housing. However, he acknowledges the challenges posed by individuals who decline assistance, emphasizing the necessity of persistent efforts to engage and support the homeless population.

In the long term, Ely advocates for streamlining the permitting process to encourage the development of more affordable housing options. He appeals not only to local authorities but also to state lawmakers and the public to support these initiatives, emphasizing the potential for collective success.

With aspirations to garner support from the city and Bernalillo County, Ely aims to present the finalized plan to the legislature during the July special session, calling for funding to implement these vital measures. The forthcoming discussion of Ely’s proposal at the city council meeting on May 6 signifies a pivotal step towards addressing Albuquerque’s homeless crisis.

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