New report shows homeless population increasing in Albuquerque, local agencies expand homeless help
According to a recent report, the homeless population is increasing in Albuquerque and several new initiatives hope to address the problem by building a new shelter, housing area, and better outreach on the streets. In November, Albuquerque city residents voted to fund a $14 million centralized homeless shelter that will house 300 people and be […]
Local food banks serve a growing demand
By Kevin Clark Jesus Mata / News Port There are more than 100 food pantries in Albuquerque, and now one of those is based at the University of New Mexico. The new and permanent Lobo Food Pantry opened at the Advisement and Enrichment Center, and joins the previously existing UNM mobile food pantry that began […]
NM group invests in college Hispanic women
By Solana Cummings and Dannelle Kirven / NM News Port University of New Mexico student Wendolin Garcia Martinez is one of this year’s recipients of the Hispanic Women’s Council’s scholarship and mentorship program, but she is getting more than just money for school. She’s been given a mentor to help her succeed in her academic […]
Flying fractals
By Sevia Gonzales / News Port Albuquerque celebrated its renown as the hot air balloon capital of the world last month, drawing more than 800,000 visitors to the 2019 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The festival featured hundreds of balloons, including two entries from the local Fractal Foundation, which uses fractal art to inspire interest in […]
Challenges, perseverance of local DIY music scene
By Bella Davis / NM News Port The backyard of a nondescript house across from Roosevelt Park doubles as Fly Honey Warehouse, a popular DIY music venue. Adam Smith, co-founder and director, is working on organizing more shows, but thus far, financial limitations and time constraints from a full-time job have stood in the way […]
Albuquerque nonprofit wins national award
By Sevía Gonzales / NM News Port A local nonprofit was nationally recognized last month for its vocational and job training program. AmeriCorps bestowed a 2019 Excellence in AmeriCorps Award for Engaging More People with Disabilities on the Mandy’s Farm VAMOS program. The nonprofit, based in Albuquerque’s South Valley provides life-skills training, social development, and […]
One ABQ woman is baking back to her community
By: Solana Cummings and Dannelle Kirven / NM News Port Queneesha Meyers, owner of Q’s Cakes and Sweets Boutique, creates her own unique spin on traditional desserts and gives back to her community through drives, fundraisers, scholarships, and classes. “I started baking when I was about 11 years old,” Meyers said, “My grandmother had […]
Black sororities and fraternities celebrate unity
By Solana Cummings and Dannelle Kirven / NM News Port Black fraternities and sororities showcased their campus unity and touted their history at a Welcome Back Week barbeque at the beginning of the semester. The event featured a group performance from members of the UNM Divine Nine, the nickname for a University of New Mexico […]
Programs aim to reduce feral cat population
By Kaylee Trainum / New Mexico News Port Some say feral cats populations have long been a nuisance in urban areas—spreading disease and killing wildlife—and now Albuquerque and many other cities are adopting more humane ways to tackle the problem. According to Animal Humane New Mexico, feral cats are not socialized and are removed from […]
Criminalizing disability
Special-needs kids who don’t get help in school are winding up in jail. By Ed Williams / Searchlight NM/ It was right after the fifth-period bell last October that Sebastian Montano lay face down in the grass outside Alamogordo High School, screaming for his mother, as two police officers pinned him to the ground and […]