It is estimated that there are over 200,000 homeless veterans nationwide and approximately 7,000 in New Mexico. With the support of the Governor and NM Legislature, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services is working with the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center (NMVIC) to fund a 2 year transitional program assisting homeless veterans to integrate back into community life. In addition to funding beds at the facility, the department has set up a field office on the premises to assist veterans in filing for state and federal benefits and services. There is also an on-site nurse, employment counseling provided by the New Mexico Department of Labor’s veterans outreach team, and case managers committed to providing a continuum of services to make the transition successful. Values such as trust, dignity, honor, self worth and respect for other people are emphasized in the program.
To be eligible for this program, veterans must have been honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Other requirements are that they must have been clean and sober for at least 28 days prior to acceptance and may be required to submit to a pre-placement drug test.
The NM Department of Veterans Services and NM Department of Labor have partnered on this project to assist homeless and at risk veterans with a full service transition program. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is also involved and the non-profit NMVIC is seeking private and corporate donations. Representative Ed Sandoval and Senator Mary Jane Garcia sponsored the bill providing $400,000 for the NMVIC.

Back