On November 17, the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness released the 2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report for the numbers of unhoused in Albuquerque. This year’s PIT count occurred on the night of Wednesday January 22, 2025. The link to review the entire 62-page 2024 PIT report is here:
2025 PIT REPORT IN A NUTSHELL
The highlights of the 2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report data can be summarized in a nutshell as follows:
The report showed 29,735 people were engaged with “any part of New Mexico’s homeless response system in 2024.”
New Mexico Public Education Department data showed 10,533 students identified as experiencing homelessness during the 2024-25 school year.
Men are more prevalent than women in emergency shelters and in unsheltered situations.
The report also had the following statistics:
2,960 total homeless people were reported in Albuquerque, which broken down is as follows:
- 1,367 are reported as unsheltered people
- 1,327 are reported in emergency shelters which is up from 658 in 2011
- 266 in transitional housing with women more prevalent than men in this type of housing
- 8% of people reported experiencing homelessness for first time
- 2,566 total are reported as homeless groups/families in Albuquerque
1,723 total homeless people throughout the rest of New Mexico is broken down as follows:
- 779 unsheltered people
- 774 in emergency shelters
- 170 in transitional housing
- 39% of people reported experiencing homelessness for first time
There are 1,417 total homeless groups/families throughout the rest of New Mexico
The Percentage of women citing domestic violence in Albuquerque: 30.3%
The Percentage of women citing domestic violence throughout the rest of New Mexico: 36.2%
The Percentage of unsheltered people with military service in Albuquerque: 8.61%
The Percentage of unsheltered people with military service throughout the rest of New Mexico: 8.55%
2025 PIT REPORT NARRATIVE SUMMMARY
According to the 2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) survey at least 2,960 people in Albuquerque called the streets or an emergency shelter their home with nowhere else to go. Of that number, 1,367 people were completely unsheltered with no roof over their heads, living on the streets or in emergency shelters with nowhere else to go. The 2025 PIT report revealed an 8% increase in homelessness going from 2,740 in 2024 to 2,960 in 2025, an increase of 220 people.
The 2025 PIT survey reports the number of homeless individuals in Albuquerque has consistently increased since 2013, with the exception of 2022, when a harsh winter and fewer surveyors likely lowered the number.
Survey respondents answered questions about their experience with homelessness. Most commonly, homeless people said their biggest barrier to housing was missing documentation, at 55%. The survey did not specify what documents were missing or why they had been missing. However, officials with the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness did say roughly 80% of respondents in 2024 said they had lost a birth certificate, Social Security card or driver’s license during city encampment sweeps.
Lack of housing vouchers and high rental prices followed as the second-biggest reasons, with 43% of respondents citing those as their reasons for homelessness.
The 2025 PIT report states this:
“While the rise is concerning, it reflects what service providers have been seeing for months: growing housing instability, limited affordable options, increase of cost of living and community systems [are] stretched beyond capacity. ”
DEMOGRAPHICS BREKDOWN
Certain demographics were overrepresented in the reported data.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Despite making up about 9% of New Mexico’s population, 17% of the unsheltered population were Indigenous people.
American Indian or Alaska Native and Black or African American individuals are “overrepresented in the homeless population compared to the state population.”
Diné – Navajo is the largest tribal group among the unsheltered in both Albuquerque (49.1%) and throughout New Mexico (49.5%).
AGE
People ages 35-44 were the highest number of unsheltered people, with 479 people staying in the streets the night of January 22. The same age group was also the highest in terms of seeking emergency shelter.
The study showed a massive increase in seniors experiencing homelessness since 2023, with a 23.6% increase. People ages 55-64 had a 43% increase in homelessness since 2023.
William Bowen, a Continuum of Care (CoC) program officer for the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, said the boost in seniors experiencing homelessness might show a change in older people being unable to work. However, seniors also sought out emergency housing at a higher rate than other age groups. They made up 34% of people in shelters.
FIRST TIME HOMELESS FROM OUT OF STATE
The report showed of the 1,367 unsheltered people, 49.8% of them said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time, a “sharp uptick” that may be linked to things such as inflation and repeals of pandemic-era relief programs, including an eviction moratorium.
The 2025 PIT study found nearly 50% of respondents were not from New Mexico. A majority of transplants said they were from Texas, Arizona or Colorado. About 36% of those respondents said they were not homeless prior to moving to New Mexico. William Bowen, a Continuum of Care (CoC) program officer for the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness said this:
“It is more common for people to become homeless after relocating.”
DATA DOWNLOAD OF 2025 PIT COUNT
The 2025 PIT Count found 2,960 total people within 2,566 total households experienced homelessness in Albuquerque on January 22nd, 2025 with a total 1,723 in the balance of the state.
People in households with at least one child were found in Emergency Shelters at a higher rate at 73.8% than Transitional Housing at 21.8% or Unsheltered Homelessness at 4.4%.
By comparison, of the 1,723 total people within 1,417 households facing homelessness in the Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) organizations with at least one child were found in Emergency Shelters at a rate of 66.2% as compared to 27.6% in Transitional Housing and 6.2% as Unsheltered Homelessness.
Following are the breakdowns for both Albuquerque and the Balance of the State breakdowns:
ALBUQUERQUE PIT COUNT BY HOUSING TYPE 2025
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH AT LEAST ONE CHILD:
- Emergency Shelters: 304
- Transitional Housing: 90
- Unsheltered: 18
Total: 412
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH ONLY CHILDREN
- Emergency Shelters: 5
- Transitional Housing: 10
- Unsheltered: 1
Total: 16
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT CHILDREN
- Emergency Shelters: 1,018
- Transitional Housing: 166
- Unsheltered: 1,348
Total: 2,532
4. Total Persons:
- Emergency Shelters: 1,327
- Transitional Housing: 266
- Unsheltered: 1,367
Total: 2,960
BALANCE OF THE STATE PIT COUNT BY HOUSING TYPE 2025
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH AT LEAST ONE CHILD:
- Emergency Shelters: 245
- Transitional Housing: 102
- Unsheltered: 23
Total: 370
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH ONLY CHILDREN
- Emergency Shelters: 33
- Transitional Housing: 4
- Unsheltered: 2
Total: 39
- PERSONS IN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT CHILDREN
- Emergency Shelters: 496
- Transitional Housing: 64
- Unsheltered: 754
Total: 1,314
- Total Persons:
- Emergency Shelters: 774
- Transitional Housing: 170
- Unsheltered: 779
TOTAL: 1,723
2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report, page 11.
ALBUQUERQUE 2025 PIT COUNT BY GENDER
Woman (or girl) (Numbers and % of Total)
- Unsheltered: 527 (36.9%)
- Transitional Housing: 131 (49.3%)
- Emergency Shelter: 454 (34.2%)
Man (or boy) (Numbers and % of Total)
- Unsheltered: 871 (60.9%)
- Transitional Housing: 131 (49.3%)
- Emergency Shelter: 868 (65.5%)
Transgender, Non-Binary, More Than One Combined Totals
- Unsheltered: 11
- Transitional Housing: 4
- Emergency Shelter: 5
TOTALS:
- Unsheltered: 711
- Transitional Housing: 266
- Emergency Shelter: 1,327
Total: 2,304
2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report, page 17
ALBUQUERQUE PIT COUNT BY RACE (Numbers and % of Total)
Hispanic/Latina/e/o (only)
- Un-sheltered Count 562 (41.1%)
- Transitional Housing 97 (36.5%)
- Emergency Shelter 444 (29.8%)
White
- Un-sheltered Count 318 (23.3%)
- Transitional Housing 87 (32.7%)
- Emergency Shelter 447 (30.0%)
American Indian or Alaska Native
- Un-sheltered Count 268 (19.60%)
- Transitional Housing 39 (14.7% )
- Emergency Shelter 182 (12.2%)
Black or African American
- Un-sheltered Count 93 (6.8%)
- Transitional Housing 15 (5.6%)
- Emergency Shelter 132 (8.9%)
Asian or Asian American
- Un-sheltered Count 5 (0.4%)
- Transitional Housing 2 (0.8%)
- Emergency Shelter 12 (0.8%)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- Un-sheltered Count 12 (0.9%)
- Transitional Housing 1 (0.4%)
- Emergency Shelter 27 (1.8%)
Multiple Races
- Un-sheltered Count 109 (8.0%)
- Transitional Housing 25 (9.4%)
- Emergency Shelter 241 (16.2%)
TOTALS:
- Un-sheltered Count 1,367 (100% )
- Transitional Housing 266 (100%)
- Emergency Shelter 1,488 (100%)
2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report, page 18
ALBUQUERQUE’S 2009 TO 2025 STATISTICS
Total number of PEOPLE counted during the Albuquerque Point-in-Time counts from 2009 to 2025 to establish a graphic trend line for the period are as follows:
- 2009: 2,002
- 2011: 1,639
- 2013: 1,171
- 2015: 1,287
- 2017: 1,318
- 2019: 1,524
- 2021: 1,567
- 2022: 1,311
- 2023: 2,394
- 2024: 2,740
- 2025: 2,960
2025 Point-In-Time (PIT) Report, page 12.
PIT SURVEY LIMITATIONS NOTED
The PIT report cautions that the 2,960-person count is a “conservative estimate” rather than a full look at homelessness in Albuquerque. The PIT report states:
“It is important to note that the scale of this increase is likely far greater than reflected in the PIT Count.”
CITY REPONDS TO COUNT
The city issued a statement in response to the 2025 PIT report that the real number of unhoused is 5,000 stating in part:
“5,000”’ reflects people who cycle in and out of homelessness across the year, which is a different concept than PIT. When the City refers to approximately 5,000 people, that figure is an operational estimate of individuals who experience homelessness at some point during a year based on daily HMIS gateway data, shelter utilization, outreach contacts, and other case-level information. PIT measures people on one night only; HMIS and Gateway provide a more complete, day-to-day operational picture.
There are also data limitations as well as refusal rates which are important to note. This year’s report flags a notable refusal rate and some omitted data fields from certain shelters. Those issues affect representativeness and mean we interpret PIT alongside other sources. The City is working with NMCEH and nonprofits to improve response rates and reporting practices in future counts.
As an example of what would contribute to an undercount, if a person happened to be housed on January 22 whether through a friend or family member who offers a bed for the night, purchasing a hotel room, being hospitalized or sent to jail, they would be excluded from the count. The report states children also tend to be underrepresented in the survey because “parents will often do everything in their power to make sure their child remains hidden, even if the parent is forced to sleep on the street so the child can receive temporary housing. ”
Encampment sweeps may also affect the count, though the report states the city of Albuquerque agreed to pause encampment sweeps for the survey. Additionally, some choose not to participate in the survey, skewing the numbers further. Over 878 individuals refused to participate in this year’s survey.
REACTIONS TO 2025 PIT SURVEY NUMBERS
Mayor Tim Keller for his part said this about the 2025 PIT survey numbers:
“The Point-in-Time Count is useful, but it’s a one-night snapshot with very narrow federal definitions. It doesn’t reflect the full scale of homelessness in Albuquerque, which is why we rely on our daily data systems that show roughly 5,000 people cycle in and out of homelessness over the course of a year.”
The 2025 PIT report findings align with long-standing concerns from service providers who have reported rising housing instability, limited affordable options and community systems operating beyond capacity. The 2025 report emphasizes the need for expanded prevention efforts, deeply affordable housing, supportive services and continued improvements to the statewide homeless response system.
NMCEH says the PIT data underscores the urgency for local and state partners to increase resources, strengthen protections, and ensure that housing and services remain accessible to the growing number of residents in need.
NMCEH emphasized that homelessness is solvable when communities commit to prevention, supportive services, deeply affordable housing and improvement of the overall homeless response system. The organization is urging local and state partners to continue expanding resources and protections that keep people safe and housed.
Monet Silva, Executive Director of NMCEH said this:
“These numbers represent our neighbors,” said. “They are families, elders, young people, and individuals doing their best to survive in a housing market that has left too many behind and a system that does not adequately serve the most vulnerable in our community. This data reinforces why compassionate, sustained investment is essential.”
William Bowen, a Continuum of Care (CoC) program officer for the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness said this:
“We cannot lose sight of the fact that every person counted deserves stability and dignity … This report strengthens our resolve to push for the housing and services our community needs — and that every person deserves.”
Links to relied upon or quoted news sources are here
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_2d35c033-fe4f-4ef0-9267-c67eeaef7779.html
https://www.koat.com/article/2025-homeless-count-growing-demand-affordable-housing/69470253
https://www.kob.com/news/top-news/albuquerque-homelessness-rises-8-in-2025-accuracy-concerns-remain/
Click to access ad7ad8_0b3a57c7ce914d7f9bc94b6ea37be15c.pdf
CITY’S FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO HOMELESS
In the last three years, the city has spent upwards of $300 million on homeless shelters, programs and purchasing and remodeling motels for low-income housing. In 2021, the city acquired the Lovelace Hospital complex on Gibson for $15 million and has spent upwards of $90 million to remodel it into the Gateway shelter.
The fiscal year 2026 approved General Fund budget for the Health, Housing and Homelessness Department is $53.3 million. The sum includes $48 million for strategic support, health and human services, affordable housing, mental health services, emergency shelter services, homeless support services, shelter operations, substance abuse services and $4.2 million for the Gibson Gateway maintenance division.
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/article_42aba680-62c4-4228-95a2-da72df1a34e1.html
The Gateway Network consists of 5 shelters costing a staggering $300 Million dollars spent over the last 3 years to assist upwards of 3,000 to 5,000 unhoused. The City has become New Mexico’s de facto “homeless capitol” providing shelter and services to the homeless for all communities throughout New Mexico. The problem is that the City and the State’s unhoused numbers are getting worse and not any better after spending millions.
The Gateway Network of support for people struggling with homelessness and addiction consists of the following:
- Gateway Center– Campus providing medical, behavioral, and social services including overnight beds, first responder intake, medical sobering and respite.
- Gateway West – Safe, supportive 660-bed facility for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering specialized resources and case management. (Annual Impact: 5,700 Individuals. Open 24/7 Since 2019)
- Gateway Family – Supportive housing center for families with overnight beds, meals, and case management to help achieve stable housing. (Annual Impact: 987 Individuals Open Since 2020.
- Gateway Recovery– 50-resident micro-community offering low-barrier beds, recovery services, and support for 18 – 24 months. Annual projected Impact: 50 – 100. Opening Early 2025
- Gateway Young Adult – Housing and support for young adults ages 15-25 experiencing homelessness, tailored to their unique needs. (Annual projected Impact: 120 Individuals. Opening Late 2025.)
What sticks out is the staggering amount of $300 Million spent over three years to establish the five Gateway shelter system with upwards of $60 Million a year now being spent to try and provide assistance to so few, estimated to be upwards of 3,000 unhoused identified by the PIT count, with upwards of 75% refusing services. Complicting matters is the fact that the 2025 PIT study found nearly 50% of respondents were not from New Mexico.
There has got to be a better way than just throwing money at the problem. There must be far more oversight by the City Council than just rubber-stamping what Mayor Keller asks for and wants.
The reality is Albuquerque is now New Mexico’s hub for homeless service referrals throughout the state thanks to Mayor Keller’s 5 shelters and Albuquerque City Council acquiescence. The City is managing the homeless who are from far beyond the city’s borders. The problem is that the City and the State’s unhoused numbers are getting worse and not better after spending millions.
CIVIL MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENTS
A 2025 report by the city found 30% of individuals experiencing homelessness self report having a serious mental illness, 25% self report having a substance use disorder and around 66% experience some form of mental health condition. The biggest problem is that upwards of 75% of the chronic, emergency unhoused simply refuse city services, yet the city continues with spending millions a year to benefit so few that need assistance.
During the 2025 regular session of the New Mexico legislature, the legislature enacted what was referred to as the Omnibus Crime Package. It included 6 bills, one of which is the criminal competency legislation. It specifically requires that competency evaluators determine whether defendants are dangerous to themselves or others. After a competency hearing, and if a defendant is found not to be competent, a judge then decides whether the defendant poses a threat. Based on that determination, a defendant is either ordered to attend an assisted outpatient treatment program or sent to the state Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
The enacted Omnibus Crime Package gives prosecutors more options to involuntarily commit people into a locked psychiatric facility if they are found to be dangerous to themselves or others and unable to stand trial. When a court determines that a defendant is not competent to proceed in a criminal case the court determines if the defendant is dangerous. A defendant who is not competent is dangerous if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant presents a serious threat to themselves or others. It is likely that the Albuquerque Police Department and the city Community Safety Department actually know who the “frequent flyers” are and who needs to be taken immediately off the streets. Both departments could assist the District Attorney or the City Attorney with civil mental health commitments of the unhoused.
During the recent Special Session of the New Mexico legislature that ended on October 2, the legislature enacted legislation which will allow the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court to determine competency which previously required district court involvement.
A recent report by the New Mexico Justice Reinvestment Working Group found that 65% of individuals who enter the state’s criminal justice system have a behavioral health need and the criminal justice system cannot provide necessary medical treatment and facilities.
During last year’s 2024 Special Session, legislators appropriated $3 million to ramp up court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment programs for individuals with mental illness in three judicial districts. The behavioral health legislation puts the judiciary in charge of planning while leaving the state Health Care Authority largely in charge of overseeing funding.
Civil mental health commitment hearings are in order for those unhoused who are a danger to themselves or others in order to get them into a hospital setting and get them the mental health treatment or counseling they need and get them off the streets. However, Mayor Keller has always been reluctant to do that preferring a more subdued approach of “you can’t camp here so move along” absent arrests utilized by his Community Safety Division of social workers.
Links to previously published articles are here: