Lujan Grisham Announces $1.22M Grant for Homeless Health Care

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) today announced that Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) received a $1.22 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing critical care and support for the community's homeless population.

"For over two decades, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless has helped improve the health and well-being of this vulnerable population," said Lujan Grisham. "With this grant, AHCH will be able to continue its vital mission to treat those most in need and provide them a path out of homelessness."

Understanding that health problems create, exacerbate and perpetuate homelessness, AHCH conducts extensive outreach in the homeless community to address individuals' health care needs. Teams conduct more than 70 hours of field-based outreach per week in addition to providing services at their clinic and at other sites in the community.

"We don't wait for people to come to us because we know that the circumstances of their homelessness make that difficult if not impossible for many," said AHCH Executive Director Jennifer Metzler. "We find people, we help them to navigate resources and services, and support their exit from homelessness. Without these funds, this would not be possible."

Founded in 1985, AHCH provides an array of services, including medical care, dental care, behavioral health, art therapy and social services for more than 7,500 men, women and children throughout the year.

The grant comes after AHCH was awarded a $250,000 federal grant to renovate its existing 7,400-square-foot integrated primary care site located on 1st Street NW. The renovations will alter the facility's work spaces to better facilitate patient care.

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