ABQ CWU May Friendship Day Notes - May 1, 2026 Theme: A Place Called Home
Anchor verse: Isaiah 32:18 “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Amidst the worship service, panel presentations were made by
Brian Eagan, Attorney with Albuquerque Housing Authority Amy Kindrick, S.A.F. E. House
Michael Trimm, Family Promise
Brian Eagan began by giving an overview of the work of Albuquerque Housing Authority (AHA) as a municipal Public Housing Authority funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Their mission is to (1) provide affordable housing and 2) to provide self-sufficiency opportunities (Jobs & Income).
There are 4 major AHA Programs: 1) Public Housing
2) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) - rent is 30% of household income and is the most popular because of landlord assistance. Applications for vouchers are taken in June.
3) Project Based Voucher (PBV) - waiting lists are open all year, applications are online only (www.abqha.org, various apartment complexes to choose from, new sites opening in 2026 with new lists.
4) Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
VASH vouchers are also available for Veteran’s Assistance
The Federal Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. The FFHA prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including LGBT persons), familial status (kids in household), disability.
For further information: US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), www.hud.gov/fairhousing, HUD Hotline: 1-800-669-9777. Located in Ft. Worth, TX
Brian distributed a flier on The Gateway Network, denoting a series of centers for specific needs: case management, special resources, young adults, recovery support, etc. The Dept. of Health, Housing & Homelessness serves Albuquerque by building innovative solutions that offer pathways to stability, housing, and long-term recovery.
Contact information for the Gateway network: Phone: 505-768-2860 or Dial 311 (505-768-2000) Email: hhh@cabq.gov
Volunteers are needed:
Groups and/or individuals: (https://www.oneabqvolunteers.com/)
Bryan also had the 2023-2024 Annual Report for the Albuquerque Housing Authority available for pickup at the May Friendship Day event, containing information regarding the Board of Housing Commissioners, the Leadership Team members, their Mission, Vision, Core Values, employees, statistics on Public Housing, Section 8 Housing, Community Workshops, Housing Development, and Service Coordination.
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Amy Kindrick, Director of S.A.F.E. House, related their mission is to shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence. The shelter is an 85-bed facility that offers a 90-day stay with a therapeutic services program. Victims of domestic violence tend to isolate themselves, are intimidated and most incidents go unreported. It is imperative that we learn the signs leading to domestic violence and educate others as well. Treat them with kindness and send them to S.A.F.E. House. The website is https.//safehousenm.org or call their hotline at (505) 247-4219.
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Michael Timm of Family Promise, is the Director of the local affiliate of the national Family Promise enterprise that exists for homeless families who are transitioning to more stable housing. They provide shelter for three families at a time at one location for 100-120 days. The current location, 1516 San Pedro NE, is being renovated however, and will provide for six families as well as a day center and a Family Promise office. A stabilization program for families is provided for two years following access to permanent housing which πincludes home visits. There are increasing multi- generational families seeking housing—moms, kids, grandkids. Their website is assistant@familypromiseabq.org or call at 505-268-0331.