ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In a major step toward addressing substance use disorder in the city, Mayor Tim Keller has officially signed into law a bill that allocates nearly $3 million from opioid settlement funds to bolster community support programs. The legislation, passed earlier this month by the Albuquerque City Council, aims to expand services for individuals struggling with addiction while also addressing related challenges such as housing instability and emergency crisis response.
Under the newly enacted law, $1.9 million of the funding will be directed toward housing stability programs, including eviction prevention measures and services designed to support individuals in substance use recovery. These programs are intended to provide safe and stable living environments for residents navigating the challenges of addiction recovery, recognizing that secure housing is a critical factor in successful long-term rehabilitation.
“The connection between stable housing and recovery outcomes cannot be overstated,” said a city spokesperson. “By investing in housing support, we aim to create an environment where individuals can focus on recovery without the added stress of potential homelessness or displacement.”
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The remaining funds will be used to enhance Albuquerque Community Safety’s (ACS) street outreach crisis response services, which play a pivotal role in addressing urgent situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance use emergencies. These services include mobile outreach teams, crisis intervention support, and coordination with local healthcare and social service providers.
City Council’s resolution to allocate these funds reflects a broader strategy to address the opioid epidemic and its ripple effects on Albuquerque communities. Over the past decade, New Mexico has faced rising rates of opioid-related overdoses, placing significant pressure on public health systems and community services. Local leaders have emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, treatment, and support for recovery.
Mayor Keller highlighted the importance of a multifaceted response during the bill signing, stating that “investing in both housing and crisis response allows us to address the root causes and immediate effects of substance use disorders. These programs are designed to save lives, prevent displacement, and support Albuquerque residents on the path to recovery.”
Housing-focused initiatives funded through this legislation will include rental assistance, eviction prevention counseling, and transitional housing support. The programs are particularly targeted at individuals who are leaving treatment centers, ensuring that they have access to safe living conditions during the critical period following treatment. Experts note that stable housing not only improves recovery outcomes but also reduces the likelihood of recidivism and repeat emergency interventions.
Meanwhile, the expansion of ACS street outreach services aims to strengthen Albuquerque’s ability to respond to crises in real time. Street outreach teams will continue to engage individuals in high-risk situations, including those experiencing homelessness, severe addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders. By providing immediate support, crisis de-escalation, and referrals to appropriate care, these teams help reduce the burden on law enforcement and emergency departments while connecting residents with long-term treatment and support resources.
The funding comes from settlement monies arising from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors, which have sought to hold companies accountable for their role in the national opioid crisis. Cities across the United States have been receiving similar funds, with allocations often directed toward public health initiatives, treatment programs, and community support efforts. Albuquerque’s approach reflects a commitment to using these funds strategically, prioritizing both immediate intervention and long-term recovery solutions.
Community advocates have welcomed the legislation, emphasizing that addressing substance use disorder requires more than treatment alone. “Recovery is a holistic process,” said a local nonprofit leader. “Access to housing, social services, and community-based crisis response is essential to helping individuals regain stability and rebuild their lives.”
The legislation also comes at a time when Albuquerque is working to expand access to mental health and addiction services across the city, recognizing the interconnected challenges of substance use, homelessness, and social inequities. City officials plan to monitor the implementation of these programs closely, tracking outcomes related to housing stability, recovery success, and reductions in crisis incidents.
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Looking ahead, Mayor Keller has indicated that the city will continue exploring ways to leverage opioid settlement funds to strengthen Albuquerque’s social safety net. Potential future initiatives may include increased support for outpatient treatment programs, peer mentorship initiatives, and partnerships with local health providers to improve continuity of care for residents recovering from substance use disorders.
The new law represents a significant step forward in Albuquerque’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and support individuals in recovery. By combining funding for housing stability with enhanced crisis response services, the city aims to create a comprehensive support system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term recovery goals.
As Albuquerque implements these programs, city leaders hope that the integrated approach will serve as a model for other communities grappling with the social and public health challenges associated with substance use disorders. The legislation underscores a broader commitment to community safety, public health, and equitable access to resources for vulnerable populations, signaling a proactive approach to tackling one of the city’s most pressing public health issues.
