Albuquerque mayor wants to bring back ‘Better Way Forward’ program

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Better Way Forward program was created in 2015 to help the unhoused in the Metro but it was stopped mainly because of COVID-19. Now, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller wants to bring it back with better upgrades.

The program will offer jobs of cleaning streets and sidewalks in the Metro to individuals staying at the Gateway Center and Gateway West. They will be provided transportation to and from job sites and connections to other services like financial literacy, banking, and case management. “This gives them the quick opportunity to not only engage but feel proud of the money they are earning and see an exit to the situation they are in with additional help,” said Director Gilbert Ramirez, City of Albuquerque Health, Housing & Homelessness Department.

The Duke City Community Ambassadors Group will work with the unhoused during their work days. The mayor is expected to bring the proposal to Albuquerque City Council later this month.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.