A new city ordinance in Santa Fe, New Mexico, mandates the establishment of Pallet shelter sites by 2027 in each of the city’s four council districts. Sponsored by Mayor Alan Webber and councilors Jamie Cassutt and Pilar Faulkner, the ordinance aims to distribute the responsibility of caring for the homeless population. Councilor Signe Lindell, representing District 1, opposed the measure, citing her district’s existing burden of hosting services for homeless individuals.
The ordinance requires the city to present an explanation if it fails to meet the timeline for opening these shelters. Lindell’s dissent highlights a complex debate about the distribution of social services across the city. While the intention is to alleviate pressure on specific districts, the execution of this plan raises questions about its effectiveness.
Residents of District 3, which includes the southwest side of Santa Fe, expressed concerns during a council meeting in August 2024 over rumors of a larger homeless shelter potentially being established at an abandoned juvenile jail. This speculation, although unfounded, reflects ongoing tensions regarding the location of homeless services.
District 1 currently houses several key facilities, including the Interfaith Community Shelter, known as Agape House, and the St. Elizabeth Shelters and Supportive Housing’s Emergency Men’s Shelter. Both of these services are situated on Alarid Street, while the Salvation Army’s day shelter operates on Alameda Street. Despite the presence of these facilities, Lindell pointed out that District 1 has been disproportionately affected by the homeless population.
The ordinance overlooks the broader impact of these services on adjacent districts. For instance, although Agape House is technically located in District 1, its guests frequently venture into District 4. Residents and businesses in District 4 have faced challenges, including vandalism and petty theft, often attributed to the overflow from homeless services in neighboring areas.
District 4 is also home to Consuelo’s Place, another shelter, and will soon host a Pallet microcommunity on Richards Avenue. Additionally, the district features various halfway houses and group homes for individuals recovering from substance abuse. In contrast, District 2 is currently home to the only existing microcommunity at Christ Lutheran Church and Santa Fe Suites, which provides apartments for individuals transitioning from homelessness.
When analyzing the geographic distribution of these services, it becomes evident that facilities like Agape House and the St. Elizabeth emergency shelter are separated by significant distances. Specifically, Agape House is approximately 3 miles from the St. Elizabeth shelter, with Consuelo’s Place lying about 1.2 miles from Agape House. This spatial arrangement illustrates the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and services throughout the city.
As Santa Fe begins to refine its plans for microcommunities and seeks alternative locations for emergency shelters, it is essential to consider the broader implications of clustering homeless services. A comprehensive approach that transcends council district boundaries may better serve the community’s needs and ensure that the responsibility of caring for individuals experiencing homelessness is shared more equitably across the city.
In this way, all of Santa Fe can engage in the vital task of supporting and caring for its most vulnerable residents.
