Families in Need Have a Lifeline through Health and Social Services Centers

ALBUQUERQUE — Ruth Adams Health and Social Services Center is helping address food insecurity in the International District, an area that has faced increased challenges accessing fresh food after the closure of Walmart and Walgreens along San Mateo.

Other Health and Social Services Centers are John Marshall, which serves the Downtown corridor; Alamosa, which serves the South Valley; and Los Griegos, which serves far Northeast and Northwest Albuquerque.

All four Health and Social Services Centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They provide vital support, including food box distribution, eviction prevention, emergency rental and utility assistance, emergency diaper and clothing assistance, and other essential healthcare services.

In 2024, Health and Social Services Centers distributed a cumulative 19,079 food boxes. Last month, dedicated employees at Ruth Adams 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.”

Through the Eviction Prevention Program, in 2024, the centers provided rental assistance to 333 families totaling $675,000, and Utility assistance 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.”

Health and Social Services Centers also offer healthcare services through partner tenants. For example, Ruth Adams Health and Social Services Center is home to the Public Health Department; UNM Young Children's Health Center (YCHC), which provides Primary Care for Pediatrics and On-site Social Work; and Woman, Infants & Children (WIC), which offers prenatal care, childbirth preparation classes, and nutrition.

The City’s Health and Social Services Centers accept direct donations. Go to cabq.gov/hhh/donate for more information. 

Read more about the City’s four Health and Social Services Centers.