City of Santa Fe and Urban Alchemy Address Public Health Concern at 2801 Cerrillos
On July 31, during the transition of the Agape House Shelter (formerly Pete’s Place) at 2801 Cerrillos to Urban Alchemy’s management, a severe bedbug infestation was discovered during a deep cleaning. Urban Alchemy and the City of Santa Fe immediately began planning a full remediation to ensure the shelter is safe, dignified, and habitable for guests. On Monday, August 4, 2025, the facility will undergo a complete fumigation and sanitation process, and all infested mattresses, bedding, and other affected furniture will be discarded and replaced.
Because the infestation affects sleeping quarters, mattresses, sofas, and chairs, the shelter will be closed for approximately 48 hours to complete treatment. During this time, the City will set up an emergency overnight shelter, operating from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This is a serious public health matter that must be addressed immediately to protect the well-being of both guests and employees.
While the building is closed, shelter guests will be relocated to a temporary City facility staffed by Urban Alchemy to ensure continuity of services. The City extends its gratitude to Consuelo’s Place and the Salvation Army for their partnership and swift support in making this temporary adjustment possible.
The City of Santa Fe remains committed to providing safe, respectful, and healthy shelter for those in need and appreciates the community’s understanding and support as we take swift action to resolve this issue.
The City’s Work to Address Homelessness
Overview
Santa Fe is committed to addressing homelessness with a multi-faceted approach that includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, outreach programs, and long-term solutions. The City, in collaboration with nonprofit, service, and government partners, aims to ensure all individuals and families have access to safe, stable, and supportive housing.
Homelessness Action Plan
Our strategic plan outlines the City’s priorities and approach to homelessness, emphasizing housing expansion, service coordination, and data-driven decision-making.
Click here to read the full Homelessness Emergency Action Plan (HEAP).
City of Santa Fe Homelessness Response Strategy
Pete’s Place is undergoing a necessary transition. City staff are recommending that the Governing Body end the current lease and bring in a new, experienced operator to stabilize and improve shelter operations, without reducing capacity.
No one will lose access to shelter. The proposed transition is about strengthening services, not cutting them. Beds will remain available, and care will continue uninterrupted.
We’re launching a citywide street outreach program. Staff recommend approving a contract with a professional, trauma-informed team that will connect unhoused individuals to services and reduce pressure on emergency response systems.
We’re expanding shelter options through Micro Communities. A resolution sponsored by Mayor and Councilors Cassutt, Chavez, and Castro is moving through committee to authorize a new Micro Community at Richards Avenue—providing safe, private, service-rich shelter for families.
We’re engaging the public in long-term solutions. A citywide town hall will be held in early July to help identify additional Micro Community sites and involve the community in shaping Santa Fe’s future shelter strategy.
These are coordinated recommendations for Governing Body action. All of these items —shelter transition, street outreach, and Micro Community development —are pending Council approval. Until then, they remain staff recommendations based on urgent needs and system-wide goals.
Click here to read the City of Santa Fe's Statement on Addressing Conditions at Pete's Place.
Micro Communities
The City of Santa Fe has introduced Micro Communities as an innovative approach to providing safe, temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. These designated sites offer secure, climate-controlled Pallet shelters designed for individuals or couples who may not have access to traditional shelter options.
Each Micro Community includes:
- 24/7 staffing and on-site case management
- Meals and essential resources
- Addiction recovery and employment support
- A trauma-informed and community-centered environment
Current Site: Arroyo Chamiso Micro Community
- Pilot site at the Community Learning Center
- Opened March 2024 with 10 shelter units
- Operated by The Life Link
- Offers 24/7 case management and wraparound services