Interfaith Community Services, a Santa Fe nonprofit, has proposed a $16 million project called ‘The Rock’ to create a centralized homelessness response center with emergency housing, daytime services, and on-site care.

The Need for ‘The Rock’

The idea for ‘The Rock’ grew out of rising homelessness in Santa Fe over the past two to three years, driven by COVID-19 and the opioid and fentanyl crises. According to city data from April, 578 households are experiencing homelessness in Santa Fe, with only 230 shelter beds available, none of which are available on an emergency walk-up basis.

‘The Rock’ would add 125 emergency beds, increasing capacity by about 65%, and include a day center offering meals, laundry, bathrooms, mail services, computer access, and kennels for pets. The center would also bring services under one roof, including medical care, behavioral health care, substance use treatment, housing navigation, and pet care.

Community Support and Funding

Interfaith Community Services needs visible support and funding from the city, county, and state before it can launch a larger private capital campaign for the project. The organization has signed memorandums of understanding with five service providers that have agreed to work on-site and has received 19 letters of support from civic and business groups.

Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia expressed support for addressing homelessness, stating that it requires comprehensive, wraparound services to help people rebuild their lives. He emphasized the importance of working with nonprofit partners, healthcare providers, government agencies, and the community to strengthen the network of care and ensure every person has the opportunity to move from crisis to hope.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.