Homelessness is a challenge faced by many cities, but one community in New Mexico discovered a different way to create change.
Instead of simply moving people from one place to another, Albuquerque created a program focused on opportunity and employment.
The idea was simple: offer people experiencing homelessness a chance to work, earn money, and rebuild their confidence.
Led by Will Cole, the initiative has helped hundreds of people take their first steps toward stability.
What started as a small local effort became an example of how practical solutions can create lasting impact.
For years, many cities struggled with homelessness and panhandling without finding long-term answers. In Albuquerque, city leaders wanted to move away from temporary solutions and focus on helping people create a more independent future.
The idea behind the program came from former Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry, who wanted to provide work opportunities instead of simply helping people leave the city. He believed that employment could give people a sense of purpose while helping them move toward permanent solutions.
Will Cole became the person responsible for turning this vision into reality. At the time, Cole worked as a security guard at a homeless shelter, where he developed an understanding of the challenges faced by people without stable housing.
Using a city-funded van, Cole travelled around Albuquerque looking for people who were panhandling and offered them an alternative: a chance to work that day. Those who accepted the offer were taken to job sites where they completed tasks that benefited the community.
The work included activities such as removing litter, cleaning public areas, and pulling weeds. These tasks became part of a city beautification program that allowed participants to contribute while earning income.
Workers received six-hour shifts and were paid in cash. For many participants, the program provided more than money. It helped restore confidence, rebuild routines, and remind them of their own abilities.
Martin Ramirez, who experienced homelessness for nearly two years, shared how working with Cole helped him recognise what he had lost and encouraged him to move forward. For many participants, the opportunity to work became the first step toward creating a more stable life.
The results of the program were significant. In just over a year, Will Cole helped employ hundreds of people. Participants cleaned hundreds of city blocks and removed more than 120,000 pounds of litter from public spaces.
The success of the program attracted attention beyond Albuquerque. Other cities, including Chicago and Denver, adopted similar approaches to help people experiencing homelessness find employment opportunities.
Most importantly, several participants were able to secure permanent jobs and housing after taking part in the program. People who once struggled to find opportunities gained the confidence to return to the workforce and reconnect with society.
The story of Albuquerque's program shows that meaningful change can begin with a simple idea. By offering people a chance instead of just assistance, a small effort can create a much larger impact for individuals and entire communities.