ABQ Times

Ruth Adams Health and Social Services Center is addressing food insecurity in Albuquerque's International District. The area has faced challenges accessing fresh food following the closure of Walmart and Walgreens along San Mateo.

Other centers include John Marshall, serving the Downtown corridor; Alamosa, serving the South Valley; and Los Griegos, serving far Northeast and Northwest Albuquerque. These centers operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing services such as food box distribution, eviction prevention, emergency rental and utility assistance, diaper and clothing assistance, and healthcare services.

In 2024, these centers distributed a total of 19,079 food boxes. Last month alone, Ruth Adams employees distributed 724 food boxes compared to 567 in January 2024.

“Staff at each Health and Social Services Center works every day to ensure the services provided reflect the needs of the surrounding community,” said Health and Social Services Division Manager Mayan Armijo. “That’s what we’re seeing at Ruth Adams, where the staff has worked to make sure the shelves are stocked and the freezers are full of food for families.”

“The need for services has undoubtedly increased throughout the International District, and Ruth Adams Health and Social Services Center is playing an important role in meeting that need,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Every day, our Health and Social Services Centers are helping families stay in their homes and put food on the table, offering stability through key supports.”

The Eviction Prevention Program provided rental assistance to 333 families totaling $675,000 in 2024. Utility assistance was given to 105 families totaling $41,000.

“Providing people with the help they desperately need can make the difference to keep people in a stable home,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Health and Social Services Centers are preventing folks from falling into cycles of homelessness—acting as a lifeline uplift the most vulnerable in our community.”

These centers also offer healthcare services through partner tenants like UNM Young Children's Health Center (YCHC) at Ruth Adams Health Center which provides primary care for pediatrics among other services.

Donations can be made directly to support these efforts by visiting cabq.gov/hhh/donate.

For more information about Albuquerque's four Health and Social Services Centers visit their website.