Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque | City of Albuquerque
The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have commenced construction on the Recovery Gateway, a micro-community aimed at providing housing and support for unsheltered individuals and those dealing with substance use disorders. Located along Pan American, just south of the Comanche exit, the community will feature 46 pallet homes, including 42 single-occupancy units and four double-occupancy units for couples. Residents can stay for up to 24 months or until they transition to longer-term recovery housing.
Mayor Tim Keller highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We know that we need more housing options in our City, especially for those in recovery, and the micro-community will better support folks on their journey to stable housing.” The project addresses a shortage identified in a Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness report which noted only 800 recovery beds available throughout Albuquerque.
Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez emphasized the potential impact: “We know when people have 18 to 24 months of sobriety, they are more likely to stay in recovery. This new community will be the first step in achieving long-term sobriety and will offer a pathway to opportunity and a new life.”
The site will include two community rooms dedicated to behavioral health treatment, case management, and housing navigation. Endeavors, a San Antonio-based behavioral health provider known for its focus on permanent housing pathways, is expected to manage these services pending final contract approval by City Council.
Safety measures such as enhanced security checks are planned alongside amenities like full bathrooms, laundry facilities, a dog park, and a community garden. Funding comes from $5 million in opioid settlement funds plus $800,000 from Bernalillo County.
Commissioner Barbara Baca expressed pride in supporting this initiative: "Transitional housing is vital for addressing homelessness and substance use and BernCo is proud to support shelter and recovery services at the Recovery Gateway." District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca added that "Recovery Gateway will create a space for long-term addiction treatment and is an important step in supporting our unhoused neighbors."
Contributors include Pallet Homes supplier Pallet; Formative Architecture; contractor Bruce Martin Construction. Full operations are anticipated by early 2025.
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