Unhoused leaders held down the Peoples’ Forum in Civic Plaza for 11 days—standing strong against cruelty at every level, from the federal shutdown and EBT cuts to local encampment sweeps and arrests. They met with the mayor and city councilors, pushing Albuquerque to face the truth: criminalizing homelessness only causes harm, increases costs, and does nothing to solve the crisis. Their courage opens the door to a different path—one rooted in dignity, compassion, and our state’s extraordinary capacity to end homelessness.

These leaders did all of this as unpaid volunteers while navigating homelessness themselves. Now, as critical political opportunities emerge—including a December 9th City Council runoff that could unlock Safe Outdoor Spaces, expanded housing vouchers, behavioral-health investments, and dignity infrastructure—we have a chance to support them the way they’ve supported our entire community.

This GoFundMe directly funds stipends (100%—no overhead) for six "living experience" participants in an 8-week organizing cohort to help advance the Peoples’ Forum demands:

Every dollar supports lived-experience leadership, coordination, and the organizing power we urgently need. Donors will receive weekly updates showing exactly how their support is fueling real progress.

This holiday season, please give directly to the front lines. Your support fuels courageous leaders and brings Albuquerque closer to a future where homelessness reaches functional zero—and where dignity is non-negotiable.