Church Launches City’s First Safe Outdoor Space

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the pastor of New Creation Church finally received city approval to open the first “Safe Outdoor Space,” providing a certified area where people experiencing homelessness can stay temporarily, access appropriate resources, and feel safe. Pastor Jesse Harden sees this as a step in healing individuals to make the transition to permanent housing. Starting small, this initiative will begin by serving only seven people.

Launched and operated without any government funding, the Albuquerque safe outdoor space will rely on resources from the church and community support. “These are our neighbors who are struggling to maintain housing,” Harden said. “I wanted to create a place where people could feel safe.”

It took two years for Albuquerque to approve his proposal since many in the community opposed the idea. As part of their due diligence, several city officials visited similar sites in Denver, Colorado, to gather insight from safe outdoor spaces there.

Consider: What partnerships could your organization pursue to provide safe outdoor spaces in your community for those who can’t or don’t choose to seek a more traditional form of shelter?

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