ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One group is using an old fire truck to help provide showers to the homeless community. They are also providing meals and more for those living on the streets of Central Ave. in Albuquerque. “We needed to do something about this, so we kind of put our hands and feet to the ground, and it’s just been a non-stop movement ever since,” said Co-creator of the Unconditional Love Foundation Alex Arredondo.
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The volunteer group, the Unconditional Love Foundation, provides free food, haircuts, and showers to the homeless community on east Central Ave. The group said they started their work to make a better situation for those living on the streets. “Second chances is vital for our community, and we want to see change,” said hairdresser and volunteer Marisol Flores.
The group started a decade ago but paused its work until recently. They hope to help out once a week and only ask those they’re helping to clean up their surrounding areas in exchange for basic services. “It just doesn’t stop here, no, we’re constantly gathering donations from toiletries to snacks, to waters, and, you know, the love and the support of the community has just grown,” said volunteer Tiffanie Weebothee.
The group even owns its own fire truck, with volunteers using it to provide showers in the area of Central Avenue and Vermont Street. “They’re somebody’s daughter, they’re somebody’s mother, somebody’s brother. You don’t know what it does. It really makes a difference, and that’s what we’re going to do together,” said the founder of the Unconditional Love Foundation Dante Padilla.
Beyond the basic help, organizers said they’re also pointing those in need to other services that can provide the next steps to get off the street. “We want to get these people rehabilitated and into a home living, and I think that’s vital for our community to change,” said Flores.
The city sent KRQE News 13 this statement regarding these volunteer services.
The City empowers residents to take ownership in beautifying their communities by providing support for City-led cleanup and beautification efforts in communities across Albuquerque. While this effort is not a city-run initiative, we welcome their efforts along the Central corridor and encourage them to ensure City-standard safety protocols are followed to protect those participating.
Alex Bukoski, Public Information Officer for the Solid Waste Management Department
