The Women’s Housing and Treatment Navigation Center at Gateway Center has served over 900 people since it opened, with more than 89% of those individuals being connected to housing, treatment, or transitional housing. The City of Albuquerque is now expanding these services by opening 92 beds at the Men’s Housing and Treatment Navigation Center and adding 50 more beds to the women’s center.
“It was only three years ago that we bought the old Lovelace Hospital,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Today, we know our system of care works. We’re bolstering it to reach more people, and put them on the pathway to housing.”
Referrals for these programs will come from Gateway West, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), or other referring partners. Participants will receive intensive case management and access to treatment services, including outpatient substance use disorder treatment provided by Ideal Option.
Funding for these operations comes through an intergovernmental agreement with the State of New Mexico. The allocations include $1.35 million each for expanding the women’s program by 50 beds, operating the first 42 men’s beds, and running an additional 50 men’s beds.
“The State’s investment will jump start the Gateway system with more services, more beds, and a much-needed facility for first responders to connect people experiencing homelessness to the resources they need,” said New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “Continuing to fund these critical services when the State’s investment is complete should be a top priority for everyone who wants to see a safer and healthier Albuquerque.”
Chicanos Por La Causa will operate both the original and new women’s beds as well as Gateway West. Community Bridges Inc., which runs the First Responder Receiving Area, will manage all 92 men’s beds.
“The Housing and Treatment Navigation Center is an evidence-backed model that helps people in need of shelter get connected to services, treatment, and into housing,” said Gilbert Ramirez Executive Administrator of Health, Housing and Homelessness for the city. “Now, we are expanding these trauma-informed services that address the root causes of homelessness. We look forward to continued expansion.”
Certified Peer Support Workers will be available onsite for support. Residents can also access workforce training and job placement programs.
“Men’s Housing and Treatment Navigation is a desperately needed service,” said Gateway Operations Officer Jennifer McDonald. “Through the Point in Time Count, we know the majority of people experiencing homelessness are men. To begin meeting this need, the first step is to open our doors which is happening today.”
