Video: Case Managers Pave the Pathway to Success
Albuquerque- Case Managers play a pivotal role across the Gateway Network, connecting people to the vital resources needed to get on the pathway to healing and housing. This includes helping people access personal documents such as a driver's license, connect to a medical provider, and get a housing voucher.
Jeff Medina is a Case Worker at the Gateway Center, Women’s Housing Navigation Center. In the latest video of our “Pathway Series”, he highlights the life-changing work of Case Workers at the Housing Navigation Center and across our city. Jeff also talks about why he is passionate about uplifting others.
“I think for me, it's really about building a rapport with that individual, finding out their background, and what they want to work on,” said Case Manager Jeff Mediana. “I think the rewarding part is seeing the end result, when they get housed and they’re in stable housing.”
Case managers at the Housing Navigation Center have connected over 90 people to housing since its opening in 2022.
“Case Managers, including Jeff, work every day to meet the needs of those they serve,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “It’s important to remember that not everyone is ready for housing when they walk through our doors. However, the role of the case manager is to set clients up for success, and when they’re ready for housing, find appropriate options. That’s what’s happening at the Housing Navigation Center, and we’re proud of this work."
You may recall that we previously highlighted Julia’s story. Caseworkers like Jeff made her story possible by connecting her to workforce training, a new job, and housing.
“Providing wraparound services to connect people to resources and housing is what the Gateway system is all about, and it’s the incredible case managers who are at the heart of this transformational work,” said Mayor Tim Keller. ““Each person who finds stability through the Gateway system is a reminder that with the right support, lasting change is possible.”
Services are continuously coming online at the Gateway Center. The Medical Respite Center opened in February and is ramping up to full capacity. Last year, the Gateway Network served more than 12,000 people.