Rentals, Subsidised Flats and Platforms for Tents: An Albuquerque Church of 90 Builds a Housing Ministry

• New Creation Albuquerque, a church of about 90 members at 8016 Zuni Road SE, runs several housing projects in the International District.
• It owns the Chama Street Apartments, seven two- and three-bedroom rental units.
• It also runs nine rent-subsidised one-bedroom units, a residential Refuge House and a city-approved Safe Outdoor Space with eight tent platforms.
• The projects are funded by private donations.

A small Albuquerque congregation has built a housing ministry that ranges from apartments to a managed tent site. City Desk ABQ, published by New Mexico Political Report, reported on New Creation Albuquerque in the city’s International District.

The church, at 8016 Zuni Road SE, has about 90 members and is led by Pastor Jesse Harden, who holds a degree in community development from Baylor University. It owns the Chama Street Apartments, seven two- and three-bedroom rental units, and runs nine rent-subsidised one-bedroom units at the Mesilla and Española apartments. It also operates Refuge House, a residential facility with an on-site manager, and a city-approved Safe Outdoor Space with eight 10-by-10-foot platforms for up to 10 people, with showers, laundry and case management. The projects are funded entirely by private donations, and the report cited a cost of less than $300 a month per person.

Harden described the outdoor space: “We built platforms for all the tents, extended the patio and installed a secure pedestrian gate.” He added: “Maybe we could actually begin to see people as our neighbors, not as a problem.”

Services include help with identification, employment, housing and mental health.

New Creation shows how even a small congregation can own and manage housing when it starts modestly and builds step by step. Owning rental units gives a church a steady base and a direct way to house people in need. Jamaican churches considering similar work should get proper advice on landlord responsibilities, insurance and local approvals, and should keep clear accounts for donor-funded property. A mix of ordinary rentals and supported housing can help cover costs while serving those most in need.

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