SOME OF ALBUQUERQUE'S HOMELESS NO LONGER HAVE TO WEATHER FRIGID ELEMENTS. THE CITY'S HEADING HOME PROGRAM HAS TAKEN THEM OFF THE STREETS AND INTO HOMES. DOUG CHAPLIN, DIRECTOR OF THE CITY'S FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SAYS THE PROGRAM HAS EXCEEDED ITS GOALS. HE SAYS THEY'VE HOUSED MORE THAN 400 PEOPLE IN THE FIVE YEARS OF THE PROGRAM'S EXISTENCE. THAT NUMBER INCLUDES FAMILIES THAT WERE ON THE STREET.
CHAPLIN TELLS US 80 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE PROVIDED WITH HOMES WERE STILL HOUSED AFTER A YEAR. AND HE SAYS IT COSTS THE CITY LESS TO HOUSE THE HOMELESS THAN TO LEAVE THEM ON THE STREETS … 32 PERCENT LESS FOR EACH PERSON.
