I am a long time resident of Santa Fe's Southside-Airport Road neighborhoods, which currently has extremely high crime rates. The proposal to relocate Pete’s Place, Santa Fe’s largest and drug ridden homeless shelter, to the vacant youth detention center in this area is not just deeply concerning, but seems misguided. 

This move puts our most vulnerable residents into an environment already struggling with crime, with potential detrimental effects. The proposal  to move the shelter here does not seem aimed at rehabilitation and safety, rather convenience of relocating the homeless for the southsiders to deal with. 

The Southside, where the majority of the working class lives, is home to numerous schools and businesses, creating additional concerns and challenges. The City should be tasked with finding a location away from such areas, providing a more secure and supportive setting for the individuals seeking help at Pete’s Place.

We cannot stand by while decisions are made that may negatively impact both the homeless population and our community. Let us urge the City of Santa Fe to reconsider this relocation and to seek alternatives that preserve the wellbeing and safety of all citizens. Please sign this petition and support the reassessment of this decision.