Albuquerque Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
1600 5th St., NW (PO Box 25462) , Albuquerque, NM 87125-5462
SANCTUARY - painted by Friend while in Sanctuary 2017-2018
AMM IS A SANCTUARY CHURCH
Thank your your interest in supporting our work to provide Sanctuary in Albuquerque. Sanctuary is an avenue by which AMM attempts to live into its stated goal of becoming an actively anti-racist faith community.
Sanctuary Working Group Co-Clerks:
Sara Keeney (505) 379-3392 and Sarah Malone (505) 306-8771
Information on Immigrant Resources is available at:
https://www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/immigrant-refugee-affairs/know-your-rights
Minutes on Immigration
The Albuquerque Monthly Meeting (AMM) has deliberated on matters related to immigration and sanctuary several times over the years. Scroll down to access pdf files with Minutes or Statements generated from or related to these deliberations including:
* International Sanctuary Principles Statement
* Minute on Immigration IMYM 2018
* Minute on Immigration AMM 2017
* Minute on Immigration AMM November 2014
* Minute on Immigration AMM November 2014
amm outreach to our unhoused neighbors
Goal Statement - June 2020
In June 2020, the Sanctuary Working Group issued the following goal statement at the monthly Meeting for Worship for Business. Since that time, the group has presented monthly updates on this ministry through meeting for worship with attention to business.
The Sanctuary Task Force of Albuquerque Friends Meeting envisions a community in which housing instability is rare--or brief and non-recurring--ending homelessness as we know it. We aim to engage with unsheltered neighbors from a framework of solidarity and mutuality—rather than a charity-based model--through which we may build a greater sense of relationship and shared community.
In keeping with Friends' Testimonies on Community and Equality, and recognizing AMM’s long-standing collaboration with (formerly) St Martin’s Hospitality Center (now Hopeworks), on their meal program, we support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in gaining access to life-sustaining resources within our local neighborhood and beyond. We progress toward this goal by providing access to safe, potable drinking water and to a resting place during daytime hours.
Goal Statement Continued....
Additionally, according to our capacity, we will offer referrals to and/or support for liaison with groups serving unhoused people, as well as advocacy with government and other agencies to provide a wide-range of services.
amm's unhoused neighbor outreach in action
Harm Reduction - Water
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Provide water access at the outdoor spigot (install French drain to improve sanitation)
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Access to electric outlet on front porch to charge devices - cell phones/tablets
Just Say Hello!
Harm Reduction - Electricity
Harm Reduction: Supplies
Volunteers greet unhoused neighbors every evening, extending a welcome & sharing needed supplies/food. Volunteers receive training and work in pairs.
Harm Reduction: Supplies
Interface With Other Groups
Harm Reduction: Supplies
Thanks to regular donations from Talking Talons Thrift Shop in Cedar Crest and to our annual Long Winter's Night campaign, we provide clothing, blankets, shoes, tents, sleeping bags, tarps and more to support folks living outside year round. A dedicated team helps to sort and distribute donations from the meeting house regularly. (See below for more on the Long Winter's Night Campaign)
Interface With Other Groups
Interface With Other Groups
Interface With Other Groups
AMM has participated in numerous community and city-based committees; interfaced with the NM Coalition to End Homelessness, Healthcare for the Homeless, and other agencies. Recently, AMM issued a minute condemning "Sweeps" by the City that take and destroy all possessions from unhoused people. See below for a copy of the Minute.
Extra supplies are distributed regularly to: Good Shepherd Shelter, The Rock at Noonday; Hopeworks; The Hook-Up, God's Warehouse, Crossroads for Women, as well as multiple other locations and, of course, Albuquerque Friends Meeting!
Security Matters
Interface With Other Groups
Interface With Other Groups
- New Security system in 2023;
- Identify/Pick Up Sharps
- Alternative to 911 plan/team
- Request to APD to stop using AMM parking lot
- Narcan training and access on site
- Increase building use by AMM and community members/ groups, especially those with a social justice focus.
long winter's night campaign
Fund Raising Efforts 2021-24
AMM has provided expanded outreach to our unhoused neighbors since March 2020 including water & electricity access, snacks, provision of necessities such as sleeping bags, blankets, tents, & donated clothing and a safe place to rest, with visitors treated as members of the AMM community. Many have become "regulars," and trusted friends.
The Sanctuary Task Force & Building & Grounds expanded their outreach in the winter (2021-22) to include a fund raising effort to provide additional resources and emergency shelter during extreme weather events. To that end, the Long Winter's Night Go Fund Me campaign was launched with the local Stone Age Climbing Gym as co-sponsor of the campaign, and continued for three consecutive years. This campaign took place annually from 2021-23.
A Sizzling Summer campaign in 2024 raised funds that continue to support some of the winter needs of our unhoused friends. Therefore, we did not run a separate winter campaign in 2024.
Accomplishments
Results of the 2023-24 campaign: By the end of January 2024, 40 tents had been distributed, along with 60 sleeping bags, 12 tarps, and innumerable clothing and cold weather gear items. AMM shared items with volunteers in other parts of the city as well, especially the International District. Thanks to all for your continued support.
Extra supplies are distributed regularly to: Good Shepherd Shelter, The Rock at Noonday; Hopeworks; The Hook-Up, God's Warehouse, Crossroads for Women, as well as multiple other locations and, of course, Albuquerque Friends Meeting!