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