FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
What is Heading Home?
Heading Home is a nonprofit organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, committed to doing our part to build a community where every person has a home, support is readily available, and everyone belongs. Since 2004, we have worked with individuals and families facing homelessness by providing safe shelter, permanent supportive housing, medical respite care, and wraparound support services. Our programs focus on stabilizing people in crisis, helping them regain health and safety, and guiding them toward long-term housing and independence.
Does Heading Home run multiple shelters?
No. Heading Home directly operates one emergency shelter, the Albuquerque Opportunity Center (AOC). The AOC is a men’s shelter and medical (remove “medical”) respite program that provides safe overnight beds, case management, and healthcare recovery support for those experiencing homelessness.
Heading Home also operates the Gateway Medical Respite Shelter through a collaboration led by Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.
How do I contact Heading Home?
We encourage anyone seeking help, looking to partner, or interested in donating or volunteering to reach out:
Phone: 505-344-2323 (main line)
Email: info@headinghome.org
Administrative Office: 2040 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Mailing Address: PO Box 27636, Albuquerque, NM 87125
If you are seeking a bed at the Albuquerque Opportunity Center (AOC), please call the Intake Line at 505-344-4340 during intake hours.
Albuquerque Opportunity Center (AOC) — Men’s Shelter & Respite
Who is eligible to stay at AOC?
The AOC provides emergency shelter for adult men (18+) experiencing homelessness.
Guests may access temporary shelter, respite, and case management support.
How do I reserve a bed?
Call the AOC Intake Line at 505-344-4340 during intake hours.
Beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if no one answers the Intake Line?
If your call goes unanswered, it usually means that all beds are currently full. We encourage you to call back during the next intake window.
Can someone else reserve a bed for me?
Reservations must be made directly by the person seeking shelter. However, community agencies may submit referrals on behalf of clients.
What services are offered at AOC?
AOC provides a range of supportive services to help individuals experiencing homelessness move toward stability. Services include:
- Emergency shelter and respite care for those with nowhere else to go.
- Case management to connect clients with housing, healthcare, and benefits.
- Referrals for medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
- Basic needs support such as meals, showers, and laundry.
- Pathways to permanent housing through housing navigation and supportive housing programs.
Gateway Medical Respite Program
What is the Gateway Medical Respite Program?
This program provides short-term residential care for individuals experiencing homelessness who are too sick to recover on the streets but not sick enough to remain in the hospital.
Who operates this program?
The program is a partnership between Heading Home, Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, the University of New Mexico Hospital, First Nations Community HealthSource, and the City of Albuquerque.
Who is eligible?
Individuals experiencing homelessness who are medically stable but need a safe place to recover.
How can someone be admitted?
Admission is by referral only from authorized healthcare partners such as UNMH or Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless.
What services are provided?
Clients receive medical monitoring, case management, and connections to housing resources to support recovery and prevent a return to homelessness.
Housing Programs
What types of housing programs does Heading Home offer?
Heading Home provides permanent supportive housing and other government-funded housing solutions for individuals and families.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility varies by program but generally includes chronically homeless adults and families with a documented history of homelessness and has a member of the household with a qualifying disability.
How can I apply for housing assistance?
Individuals cannot self-refer. Applications are submitted through case managers, care coordinators, or agency partners.
Who should agencies contact?
If you are an agency seeking housing for a client and need more information about the referral process and eligibility requirements, email housing@headinghome.org.
SOAR Program (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery)
What is SOAR?
SOAR helps individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness apply for Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI).
Who is eligible?
Individuals who are homeless or at risk and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, or substance use disorder.
Why is SOAR important?
Many eligible people face barriers such as missing records, no fixed address, or difficulty completing applications. SOAR specialists streamline the process and improve approval rates.
How can someone be referred to SOAR?
To refer someone to the SOAR program, please fill out this form.
To learn more, email SOAR@headinghome.org.
People Also Ask
How do I get into a homeless shelter in Albuquerque?
Can women or families stay at Heading Home?
No. Heading Home’s emergency shelter (AOC) serves men only. Women and families can access support by calling 311 and requesting information about other community shelters
What is medical respite for people experiencing homelessness?
Medical respite is short-term care that provides safe recovery for people without housing who are not sick enough for hospitalization but too ill to heal on the streets.
Does Heading Home provide permanent housing?
Yes. Through supportive housing programs, Heading Home helps individuals and families transition into long-term housing with the resources needed to maintain stability.
Do I need an ID to get into a shelter in Albuquerque?
ID is not required for shelter.
How long can someone stay in the AOC shelter?
Residents may stay an initial 30 days. Stays are extended for residents actively engaged with case management and making progress on their goals.
Who operates the Westside Emergency Housing Center?
The Westside Emergency Housing Center (WEHC), now known as Gateway West, is operated by the City of Albuquerque, not Heading Home.