Nearly 35 years on the front lines

We want you to know that YOU matter to AHCH.

You are in our thoughts. Thank you for always being there. Delivering care to people without homes is now more important than ever. You are likely learning, just like us, how to connect, organize, and deepen community amidst the necessary practice of physical distancing. Thank you for your deep commitment to public health. We see you coming together to fight homelessness, deepening solidarity, mutuality, and community care at this time of change in social interaction—and use what we learn toward making systemic change for those who experiencing homelessness in Albuquerque. Please, let us know how you are doing? Reach out to us by email to endhomelessness@abqhch.org or follow and like us on social media.

Mission Focused During COVID-19

Health Care for the Homeless programs including AHCH are stepping up infection control, assessing workflows, and establishing protocols that govern the care of people experiencing homelessness. Because you care, we are well poised to continue providing high-quality integrated care to meet our mission during this time. Along with more than 200 Health Care for the Homeless projects across the country, AHCH has implemented public health strategies to prevent further exposures and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, specifically for people experiencing homelessness.

Real-Time updates of COVID-19 in NM

You'll find local and national resources in our What We're Reading section below. People experiencing homelessness are at a very high risk of contracting the novel COVID-19 virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently put forth many recommendations for how we as a community can stop the spread- but how do you stay home when you have no home to go to? Join AHCH in stepping up for people who are experiencing homelessness, providing them with the critical care they need during this time. We all have a role to play. Click here to donate today. [caption id="attachment_4010" align="alignnone" width="611"] A diverse group of advocates from across AHCH, including representatives from Medical, Harm Reduction, Human Resources, clientele, and Administrative Staff.[/caption] We are fortunate to be central to the City of Albuquerque’s community response that is assertively planning, collaborating, and preparing healthcare and shelter providers, in line with the National Health Care for Homeless Council’s recommendations. Housing is health care and both are human rights. Until we live in a world that is just and without homelessness, our advocacy will never end. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced new restrictions Monday to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus. The governor is instructing New Mexicans to remain in their home except for outings that are "absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare." The order restricts gatherings of five or more people in outdoors spaces. The order, in effect since 8 a.m., Tuesday, closes all non-essential businesses and requires 100 percent of the state's non-essential workforce to work from home. Everyone can do their part to help plan, prepare, and respond to this emerging public health threat. This restriction supports response planning by local and state health departments, homelessness service system. Because AHCH is an essential service provider, we will remain open along with other health care services and homeless service organizations and shelters.

AHCH Operations

✔ In order to best mobilize our teams to have the greatest positive impact for our clients and safety for all, we have had to temporarily close the Resource Center and consolidate our services to the court yard. This will mean more staff available to mobilize for outreach in the community and support a coordinated screening point.

✔ The ArtStreet Studio will be closed until at least April 16th to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. During this time, the studio will be cleaned and sanitized. #PublicHealthMatters

✔ AHCH continues to be committed to providing high-quality integrative care to people who need it most during this time. With the safety of both our patients and staff in mind, some programs have temporarily modified services and schedules. #MissionFocused ✔ The Dental Program will continue to accommodate emergency walk-ins and extractions. Hygiene visits and elective procedures will be postponed until further notice.

✔ Medical/Harm Reduction Outreach will continue to operate at standard capacity during usual business hours. Narcan is available at our outreach locations.

✔AHCH Harm Reduction Friday Outreach has moved to a new location @ Central and Charleston. Services will still be provided from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Medical services starting at 5:30 p.m.

Something To Smile About ?

ArtStreet and Harwood Art Center collaborated on Recycled Heart. The annual art show features mixed media and recycled art by ArtStreet artists. AHCH and the Harwood Art Center have partnered for twenty four years working to address community issues of homelessness according to Guru Amrit, Harwood Art Center's Director of Operations. [caption id="attachment_4008" align="aligncenter" width="820"] Art on display during the opening reception where nearly 100 supporters and fellow artists were in attendance.[/caption] ArtStreet artists speak on their work during the opening reception of Recycled Heart "A seldom-discussed issue facing homeless populations is access to art, not to mention access to the resources needed to make art." Read the full review here from The Santa Fe New Mexican Access to the arts is a social justice issue. ArtStreet makes access to the arts available to those least likely to enjoy it while holding a space to build community connections and increase awareness of the issues of homelessness through the art-making process. [caption id="attachment_4011" align="aligncenter" width="820"] Mixed media art from Recycled Heart[/caption] Art on display during the opening reception where nearly 100 supporters and fellow artists were in attendance. And now in honor of ArtStreet and the artists, enjoy this piece from an ArtStreet poet:

Untitled by Ted F.

I am the faceless man The Empty hand You passed And left to stand A stranger on the corner The friend in the mirror That you didn’t find A reflection of your hidden mind A captive in your sharp Cornered closet A shadow on a hanger Left by you to find Awareness of Unfound self.

This poem captures the homeless experience that many are facing in the midst of recent events. We can do better. This was an excerpt from the book Synergy Common Threads: Visual Art, Writing, and Community Making. Mixed media art from Recycled Heart  The Recycled Heart exhibition was made possible, in part, by funding from the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, and Harwood Art Center of Escuela del Sol Montessori. The project also receives funding, in part, from individual contributions and private foundations. Special thanks to Siarza Social Digital for the images.

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Homelessness is inhumane and degrading.

Above all, it is unacceptable.

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What We're Reading 

1. COVID-19 & the HCH Community: Needed Policy Responses for a High-Risk Group https://bit.ly/2QpjBLd
2. COVID-19 Guidance for Harm Reduction Programs from the Harm Reduction Coalition https://bit.ly/2IMN0dL
3.  Hand-washing using World Health Organization Technique https://bit.ly/33bmeFA

We Want To Hear From You 

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. Reach out to us. Here are few questions to consider:

• How are you keeping busy while staying in? Trying new recipes? Reading? Please let us know. We want to hear from you.
• It would be an honor to highlight how the AHCH community is being of service. How are you helping your community. Volunteering? Shopping for essentials for the elderly?
• Finally, we want all your pet pictures. Cats, dogs, birds, etc. For some of us, our pets have become our coworker(s) during this period of social distancing.

Your opinions are important to us. Send us your responses and pictures to endhomelessness@abqhch.org Helping those who don't have the options to stay at home, consistently wash their hands, distance themselves from others, or disinfect their living spaces is a way to actively make a difference while practicing social distancing.

Thank You. Stay healthy. #WeAreInThisTogether