Albuquerque’s Gateway Sobering Center set to open after months of delays

The Gateway Center in Albuquerque is preparing to launch its long-awaited Medical Sobering Center this summer.

The Albuquerque City Council recently approved a contract with California-based Horizons Services for $1.6 million in federal funds to operate the sobering center. Horizons Services, which currently operates two sobering centers in California, will provide a short-term space for individuals recovering from severe intoxication at the Gateway campus in Southeast Albuquerque. This campus already provides housing and behavioral health support.

Months of delays preceded the selection of Horizons Services. Construction of the wing intended for the sobering center was completed in November, with initial expectations of serving patients by the end of that year under a previous service provider, Listo Health, LLC. However, the city terminated its contract with Listo Health due to delays in hiring and training staff.

The Medical Sobering Center at Gateway is now expected to begin operations around late summer. The center aims to provide 24-hour care for those struggling with addiction, offering a safe space to recover from intoxication and relieving strain on hospitals and jails. Patients will be able to stay up to 24 hours and connect with longer-term substance use resources, such as Bernalillo County’s CARE Campus.

“Four years ago, we identified an urgent need for services that uplift people out of homelessness,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Today, these services are being realized through the Gateway Network, where we’re building a continuum of care that provides several pathways to housing.”

The Center is one of only 60 in the nation and the only Medical Sobering Center in New Mexico.

“A key component of opening a first-of-its-kind service is finding the right provider, which we’ve found in Horizons Services,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director Gilbert Ramirez. “They have the experience required to safely and efficiently open up this needed service, and unlock access to vital services that will support our community.”

Supported by City Desk ABQ

Nonprofit journalism like this depends on readers like you.

This story is "Reader-supported." City Desk ABQ relies on sponsor and reader donations to fund journalists covering local politics and policy other outlets don't cover. Think we need more reporting like this? Thank a reporter and help us keep reporting like this free to read by becoming a monthly or one-time supporter today.

Support nonprofit independent journalists.

Learn more about City Desk ABQ