Statement: $11 Million Approved to Help Hundreds out of Homelessness

Nov. 21, 2022

Over $11 million in new funding for supportive housing and rapid rehousing vouchers will help hundreds of additional individuals and families out of homelessness, beyond the 1,000 households already served by the programs in the past year. Tonight, the Keller Administration’s contracts to administer the new funds were approved by City Council in a unanimous vote. Albuquerque’s housing voucher program has a strong track record of success, with 90% of those helped out of homelessness staying in their homes at least two years.

“This is 11 million dollars that will deliver a proven path out of homelessness for more folks across our city, and we’re ready to get this new money out the door as temperatures drop. I am grateful that Council approved our plan for this funding and to Albuquerque’s service providers who carry out this life-changing work each day,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It will take an all-of-the-above approach to address the crisis of homelessness and we have to invest in what works.”

Albuquerque has increased funding for these successful programs by 73% since 2018, and this year has already allocated a historic $14 million in recurring funds prior to tonight’s vote for an additional $11 million of recurring and one-time funding. 

Supportive housing voucher programs are a proven strategy for helping families and individuals exit homelessness permanently. The supportive housing voucher program provides rental assistance (aka housing vouchers) plus comprehensive case management services. Supportive housing tenants rent an apartment from a private landlord. The tenant pays no more than 30% of household income towards rent, and the voucher pays the rest. A case manager provides support to help supportive housing tenants keep their housing and address any other needs, such as mental or behavioral health care.