On Tuesday, September 5th, the City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Heading Home announced the 700th individual or family member housed through the housing-first collaborative initiative.
Albuquerque Heading Home was launched in 2011 as a housing-first collaboration of public, private and non-profit organizations united to end homelessness for individuals who have been chronically homeless and are medically vulnerable. Nearly seven years later, the milestone speaks to a validated solution that has been replicated in cities across the country.
Kim Trujillo, whose son was the 700th housed through the program, spoke about her experience. Her son has a history of behavioral health issues and, through contact with various members of the collaborative, is now housed and on his way to stability.
The housing-first approach prioritizes individuals who are chronically homeless, and medically vulnerable, and places them in affordable housing with wrap around social services. The model boasts a 94 percent annual retention rate for its clients and has saved taxpayers over $5 million to date.
The announcement took place at the Downtown@700-2nd apartments, one of many affordable housing locations utilized by the initiative. The location is a public-private partnership with the Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico as owner of the property.
Albuquerque Heading Home Service partners include: the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, St. Martin’s Hospitality Center, Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico, New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, First Nations Community Healthsource, Therapeutic Living Services, The Rock at NoonDay, APD, and Heading Home.
Albuquerque Journal on 700th Housed Press Conference
KRQE News video story on 700th Housed Press Conference
2016 Cost Study Analysis of Albuquerque Heading Home by UNM’s Institute for Social Research
Home{less} Documentary on Albuquerque Heading Home featuring Mayor Richard Berry
