COVID-19 Response: Homelessness
In episode 32, we talk about how the homeless population in New Mexico is being served in the era of Covid-19. We hear from Johnathon Stubbs, a person who has experienced homlessness. Elise Kaplan from the Albuquerque Journal joins the show to talk about her story “Exposed and at risk.” Nicole Martinez of Mesilla Valley Community Of Hope tells us about the measures they are taking in Las Cruces to help flatten the curve. We also hear from CYFD Secretary Brian Blalock and Albuquerque Healthcare For The Homeless Policy Director Rachel Biggs. And Lisa Huval, the deputy director of Housing and Homelessness for the city of Albuquerque. And a news update: The state increased its ability to test people. While it used to be that only folks who showed certain symptoms should be tested, the governor announced a change. People who don’t have symptoms but who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID can get tests. People who don’t show symptoms but who are in nursing homes can get tests. And you don’t need a doctor’s referral anymore to get one if you go to a Department of Health testing site. We’re keeping a complete list of the resources and volunteer opportunities that we find for each episode at here. And here’s what we have from today:
- Mesilla Valley Community Of Hope
- Albuquerque Health Care For The Homeless
- Watch Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s full news conference
- Here’s a list from CYFD of shelters for young people experiencing homelessness or survivors of domestic violence in the state. They’re still open. And if you have resources to share, they could use some donations.
How are things going for you? We want to know. Share your quarantine stories by calling: (505) 218-7084 and leaving us a message. We could roll them into a future episode. Listen on Anchor
This segment is part of the “Your New Mexico Government” Project (#YourNMgov), a collaboration between New Mexico PBS, KUNM Radio, and the Santa Fe Reporter. This endeavor is funded by the New Mexico Local Journalism Fund with public media support provided by the Thornburg Foundation.