But as I pass through the wrought iron gate, I am greeted by a new, vibrant energy: Casa HermosaвЂ™s director, Lisa Lopez, greets me with a huge smile and an enthusiastic handshake. вЂњBeautiful HouseвЂќ in English, this collection of small apartments looks just like any other in the area. Right off of Trumbull road lies an unknown treasure, a low key crown jewel of the neighborhood, and of Albuquerque: Casa Hermosa. ItвЂ™s a stark contrast to the prejudiced perception of these neighborhoods that many would like you to believe. Now re-christened вЂњthe International DistrictвЂќ for its rich and diverse range of cultures that reside here, I see people cleaning outside their homes, working on their vehicles, playing with their children. This area of Albuquerque has long received a bad rap for its crime rate, so much that it was once dubbed вЂњthe war zone,вЂќ notorious for gangs fighting a bloody battle with one another over territory for drug trafficking. Among the payday loans, cash for gold, and fast food buildings lay several nondescript apartment buildings, cramped and covered with wrought iron. Gibson, Zuni, Trumbull- all street names that have unfortunately been synonymous with drugs and violence in the news. The streets are quiet on this sunny, early spring day as I pass by street signs that carry names made infamous by the local news.

Ipass jewel