A recent ordinance in Santa Fe seeks to address the distribution of care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Passed in August 2024, the ordinance mandates the establishment of new Pallet shelter sites across all four City Council districts by 2027. Mayor Alan Webber and Councilors Jamie Cassutt of District 4 and Pilar Faulkner of District 3 sponsored the measure. However, Councilor Signe Lindell from District 1 opposed the ordinance, arguing that her district already bears an unequal share of the burden for hosting services aimed at assisting the homeless.
The ordinance requires an annual presentation to explain any delays in meeting the timeline, reflecting a proactive approach to managing homelessness within the city. Yet, Lindell’s contention raises questions about the actual distribution of services across the districts, particularly in light of perceptions that many social services are located away from affluent neighborhoods, including those within her district.
Residents of District 3 expressed significant concern at a council meeting in August after rumors circulated regarding the potential establishment of a larger homeless shelter in an abandoned juvenile jail facility. This rumor, though unfounded, sparked considerable interest and unease in the community. Contrary to the residents’ fears, District 3 currently hosts only one shelter specifically for young people.
District 1, while home to several critical services, also has its share of challenges. The Interfaith Community Shelter, now known as Agape House, is situated in this district, along with the St. Elizabeth Shelters and Supportive Housing’s Emergency Men’s Shelter on Alarid Street. Additionally, the Salvation Army’s day shelter operates on Alameda Street, all of which are crucial for addressing immediate needs.
Despite the apparent concentration of services in District 1, the impact of these shelters extends beyond district boundaries. Guests from Agape House often find themselves in District 4, where they may sleep in arroyos near homes off Camino Carlos Rey and Siringo Road. This spillover has led to increased reports of vandalism and petty theft affecting local businesses along Cerrillos Road, further complicating the narrative of service distribution.
District 4 is not without its own facilities aimed at supporting individuals in need. It hosts Consuelo’s Place, a shelter located on the midtown campus, and plans for a new microcommunity at Richards Avenue are underway. Other essential services, such as halfway houses and group homes for individuals recovering from substance abuse, are also situated in this district.
The current landscape reveals a patchwork of services spread across the city. For instance, Agape House and the emergency shelter on Alarid Street are approximately 3 miles apart. Similarly, the distance from Agape House to Consuelo’s Place is about 1.2 miles, while it is 2.2 miles from Consuelo’s Place to the St. Elizabeth emergency shelter. All of these facilities are located near Cerrillos Road, a primary thoroughfare in Santa Fe, highlighting the interconnectedness of service locations regardless of council district lines.
As Santa Fe moves forward with its plans for microcommunities and evaluates alternative locations for emergency shelters, it is essential to consider the broader implications of service clustering. An approach that transcends individual council districts could foster a more equitable distribution of care for all residents, allowing the city to share the responsibility of supporting its most vulnerable populations.
