Regular Governing Body Meeting - Second Wednesday
Wed, Feb 11, 2026 · Governing Body
https://santafeminutes.space/meeting/916

== Topics ==
- Chaplain Joe Dudiak Day Proclamation
- Chaplain Joe Street Outreach
- Joe Dudiak's Legacy
- Joe Dudiak's Life and Career
- Support for Unhoused Individuals
- Homeless Person's Memorial Vigil
- Chaplain Joe Memorial Safe Parking Lot
- Board of Directors' Commitment
- City Partnership

== Full Transcript ==
Special proclamation of the City of Santa Fe. Whereas Joe Dudiak, a powerful advocate for the most vulnerable populations of the Santa Fe community, was a proud New Mexico native, born in Los Alamos in 1959. And whereas he grew up in Northern New Mexico and following high school, joined the United States Air Force, serving his country with distinction, including two years stationed in Germany. And whereas after serving in the United States Air Force, Joe returned to New Mexico, working for many years in construction and later dedicating nearly two decades as a code compliance officer. And whereas Joe also built a life grounded in family, becoming a husband and father, and carrying forward a lifelong commitment to service, responsibility, and compassion.

Whereas beginning in 2009, Joe became a devoted volunteer at the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete's Place, known for his kindness, humor, and deep respect for those experiencing homelessness. And whereas Joe developed a special commitment to unsheltered individuals, meeting people where they were and providing essential supplies with compassion, dignity. And whereas in 2019, he founded Chaplain Joe Street Outreach, which has distributed hundreds of life-saving sleeping bags and critical resources to help people. And whereas Joe also helped organize the annual Homeless Person's Memorial Vigil and worked to establish a safe parking site, which will continue as the Chaplain Joe Memorial Safe Parking Lot.

And whereas after a long battle with cancer, Joe passed away on October 27th, 2025, leaving a legacy of service, humanity, and hope. And whereas the City of Santa Fe honors the life legacy of Chaplain Joe Dudiak and recognizes his extraordinary dedication to caring for our unhoused neighbors. Now therefore, I, Michael J. Garcia, Mayor of the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, as Chaplain Joe Dudiak Day. So, thank you everybody. And I don't know if you all want to say a few words.

Okay. Hi everybody.

I just want to let you know that my name is John Singh. I'm on the Board of Directors of Chaplain Joe Street Outreach. Today's date, we've approximately given out about 500 sleeping bag packages throughout the city and part of the county. Believe it or not, there are people starting to move out of the benches. I want to thank you all so much for showing up today. It really means a lot. It really does. Joe is a very extraordinary man. I met him back in 1973, and it's hard to believe that it's been 50 years, but I've known him and not a day goes by that we don't think about Joe. And as far as the Board of Directors goes, we are continuing, keeping his mission going. So, thank you all very much.

Well, I think that just leaves more time for us to reconnect and connect and really continue Joe's legacy. As mentioned, lots of work was done under Joe's leadership. I know that more work will continue under the board's leadership, and please let us know how the city can continue to be its partner, and let's get to working.