Opioid Settlement Funding Needed to Support Recovery Housing Program
ALBUQUERQUE – There is an urgent need for supportive services for people experiencing substance use disorder and homelessness. The City's investment in recovery housing plays a crucial role in filling this gap. Gateway Recovery is expected to open next month. The micro-community consists of 46 pallet homes and will house up to 50 people at one time for up to 24 months or until they are connected to long-term housing.
Currently, $5 million in opioid settlement funding has been allocated for construction and operations. However, there is a need for continued opioid settlement funding to continue programming for Gateway Recovery and many other programs across the City.
Cities and counties across the United States are receiving payments from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors as part of a settlement for their role in the opioid epidemic and overdose crisis.
The City and County are splitting $150 million in funding. Under a proposed plan, the City’s portion would be locked away to use incrementally over time and restricted to specific uses, including capital projects.
“We need more treatment options and services now to help people struggling with addiction,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “All across Albuquerque, we see the effects of the opioid crisis, and we must put this funding to work immediately to help uplift people out of homelessness and addiction.”
Donald Hume, who is in recovery and a longtime advocate for recovery housing, says there is an urgent need for more beds.
“Our recovery programs are full, people are lining up waiting to get in,” said Recovery Housing Advocate Donald Hume. “It’s important to invest in programming and people, because if we don’t do that, they end up exactly where they’re at now, they end up on the street… If you want to see people thrive in Albuquerque, we’ve got to put the things in place that are going to help them thrive.”
According to the 2023 Legislative Finance Committee Report, in 2021 - 1,029 New Mexicans died from drug overdoses. Yet, a recent report states there are only about 800 recovery beds in our state.
“Far too many people die from overdoses each year, and we know long-term recovery is possible through supportive services, including recovery housing. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough options in our City,” said Health, Housing, and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “Developing and sustaining life-saving programming is necessary to prevent more deaths.”
Learn more about the proposed uses of Opioid Settlement Funding.