ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque is expanding a program that is offering a “Better Way Forward” for people who are homeless.

The “Better Way Forward” program is giving jobs to people staying at the Gateway Center and the Westside Emergency Housing Center. The jobs involve tasks like cleaning streets and sidewalks. Workers get transportation to the job site. Then, when they’re not working, they receive lessons on topics like financial literacy.

Leaders in Albuquerque introduced the program in 2015. However, Mayor Tim Keller says the new version of the program will provide long-term opportunities and resources.

“It’s the right fit. It’s a job you can do right away that you don’t need a lot of training for, but also it gets folks outside, connected with other coworkers and really helps reintegrate folks from the street back into a more sustainable and collaborative way with folks around the community,” Mayor Keller said.

City leaders have hired multiple people so far. They are still actively hiring people in the Gateway network.