Above the Clouds, Albuquerque's Hidden Homeless Crisis

Above the Clouds, Albuquerque's Hidden Homeless Crisis

Ralph DiPalma, a 55-year volunteer minister, critiques Albuquerque's handling of homelessness. He argues that repeat offenders, drug dealers and addicts, are dominating streets, recruiting the simple minded, easily intimidated, and newly homeless into addiction, while law enforcement stands idle.

DiPalma condemns longterm harm reduction programs, like free needle exchanges, for enabling rather than curbing drug use. He describes escalating prostitution, violence in encampments, and mislabeling of addicts as mentally ill to secure federal funds. Contractors, he claims, collect millions without producing lasting rehabilitation successes.

Drawing from his own recovery through faith, DiPalma highlights personal stories of suffering, including theft, assaults, and failed shelters. He calls for federal investigation into corruption in city and state governments, emphasizing genuine rehab over enabling policies.

Ultimately, the film urges divine guidance and action to save the genuine homeless from a deteriorating crisis.