I was really nervous
to ask for help.
But The Vic's outreach specialist put my mind
at ease.
They gave me emergency housing and a chance to get back
on my feet."
~Carter, Navy Veteran
NMVIC Transitional Housing (GPD Program)
Navigating housing instability, couch surfing, or facing homelessness is overwhelming. At the New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers (NMVIC), our Temporary Housing Program provides a secure, supportive environment for up to one year—giving Veterans the time, privacy, and dedicated resources needed to break the cycle of poverty and transition into permanent independence.
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Located at our primary campus at 2701 Mulberry St SE, Albuquerque, our program is a structured, goal-oriented path toward long-term stability funded in large part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Grant & Per Diem (GPD) Program and backed by over 100 community partners!
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What to expect
Life at The VIC
a comprehensive program
This is a comprehensive program, not a walk-in emergency shelter. We provide the tools, privacy, and community foundation required to help Veterans who are ready to make a lasting change.
At a glance:
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Private Living Quarters: Every resident receives their own private room with private bathroom, equipped with a closet and a small refrigerator for personal use.
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Food & Kitchen Access: Residents have access to our fully equipped community kitchen, larger refrigerators and freezers, and our on-site Food Pantry to assist with grocery needs if you need it. (Food is donated to us)
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On-Site Amenities & Support: Free laundry facilities (washers and dryers) are available for all residents, along with clothing assistance upon arrival if needed. (Clothing is donated to us)
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Transportation Assistance: We offer coordinated transportation to help residents get to medical appointments, agency visits, and official meetings.
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Wrap-Around Supportive Team: You will work directly with a dedicated Case Manager, Licensed Counselor, and/or Peer Support Specialist to tackle the struggles that led to housing instability.
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Employment & Resume Services: We bring workforce specialists—including representatives from America’s Job Center—directly to our campus to assist residents with resume writing, interview prep, and active job placement.
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VA Claims & Benefits Guidance: Our team actively assists residents with filing VA claims, navigating earned benefits, and connecting to healthcare services. **You do NOT need to be enrolled in the VA to apply for assistance with us.
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Community & Peer Outings: Rebuilding your life includes building community when you're ready, so, we organize regular group activities, life skills workshops, and recreational outings to help residents build connection and community.
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Housing Search & Move-In Assistance: As graduation approaches, our team works to locate permanent housing—and we can even help furnish your new apartment when you move out. (Furnishings are donated to us.)
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Additionally, we offer Support
for Veterans with Families​
Many temporary housing programs force families to separate during a housing crisis, compounding trauma. NMVIC is unique in New Mexico because we offer a supportive living environment capable of housing Veteran families (up to four members) together.
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Because our team includes Veterans and dedicated specialists, we operate on a simple truth: there is no wrong door to open when you need help. We do our best to keep families together as they work toward shared stability.​
Program Structure & Requirements
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Duration: Housing is provided on average for 3 months up to 1 year with a majority of our clients graduating into independent, permanent housing within 6 to 9 months.
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Our "Housing First But Not Housing Only" Approach: Our program provides veterans with achievable plans aimed toward permanent housing and financial stability. independence.
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Proven Success: Our program works for Veterans who are committed to making a change. Residents work their individualized plan with the support of our full team.
ROUTINE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Our services are FREE to eligible veterans per the following criteria:
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A Veteran of the US Armed Forces (Active, Reserve, National Guard) or Un-remarried Surviving Spouse of a Veteran
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Certain programs may require active duty service to be eligible
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Discharge Status: eligibility for programs varies and may depend upon the character of discharge. We encourage all Veterans to apply, as we offer diverse programs with different criteria
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Willing to accept help and improve your life
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Must live in New Mexico
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Unsure if you meet these requirements or don't have a copy of your ID or DD214? Apply anyway and we'll respond.
Important Application Information:
Veterans may submit a self-referral, be referred by the VA Medical Center or other service providers in the community to be considered for admission.
Veterans or those referring the Veteran can fill out the form above and it will automatically be sent to us. Or, download and fill out the form by clicking the button below. Then, email the completed application to: info@nmvic.org
OR FAX to: 505-332-8092.
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Questions regarding admission or the status of an application can be directed to the Transitional Housing program intake Specialist at 505-292-0800
Apply by filling out the intake below:
faq'S
If you can't find an answer to your question here, please contact us.
Can I apply for transitional housing if I plan to move to another state?
Yes, you can. The goal of Transitional housing is get you off the streets, work on the challenges that made you homeless, and prepare to move into stable and permanent housing. Sometimes this may be in other places where you might have a family support system or other resources. Our team can help you make those plans and possibly connect you with other programs in that area. Our goal is to ensure you have a stable plan that ensures you housing stability no matter what your situation.
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Are your units ADA accessible?
We do have ADA accessible rooms for those in need. Please let your staff member know during your interview.
Do you provide internet access?
We do have WiFi access for our Veterans and computers for you to use, with restrictions. We encourage clients to access the local library, but recognize that there are times when it is not possible.
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Curfew, why and when?
There is a curfew of 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and holidays. This is in place for your safety, as well as accountability. It is not expected that clients be in bed at curfew, but must be on property when night checks are done by our Monitor Team.
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Does my discharge affect my eligibility?
We are able to accept Veterans with any type of discharge EXCEPT dishonorable.
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What disabilities can I have and still access the program?
The VIC will accept Veterans with all types of disabilities, as long as you can still care for yourself and perform all Activities of Daily Living (ADL) including bathing and grooming, dressing and undressing, meal preparation and feeding, transferring, safe restroom use and maintaining continence. The VIC does not provide any form of medication management or skilled nursing services.
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How much stuff can I bring with me?
Because the Transitional Housing rooms have limited space, you are limited on personal belongings to one 24" wide by 16" deep by 14" high tote. All belongings will be searched upon enrollment. You are not allowed to have weapons, illegal drugs, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, alcohol nor any medications that are not prescribed to you. These items will be confiscated. Certain items can be held until you exit the program.
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Do I have to do community service or pay for the services?
Our programs are made to provide a “hand up”, not a “hand out”. All Residents have a Community Service obligation that is dependent on your unique situation. Some Residents may have a small participation fee, but this is also dependent on your unique situation. If you have NO income, that is fine too. You do not need to pay to stay in our programs.
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Can I have a pet?
The only animals allowed in program are service animals (dogs), as recognized by the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Veteran will need to provide proof of vaccines for the animal, or be prepared to obtain them within 30 days of enrollment. If the animal poses a threat to anyone else in the program it will not be allowed to stay. The Veteran will be required to keep the animal on a leash, under control, and with you at all times as a service animal. You will also be required to clean up after the animal.
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Will I have roommates?
You will be assigned your own room with your own bathroom. You are responsible to maintain order and cleanliness of the room and bathroom.
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Will you find me housing?
The VIC’s Transitional Housing program provides temporary, safe and supportive housing while Veterans work on other struggles that led to the homelessness. Once ready, the Veteran will work with our team to locate adequate permanent housing in the community. We work with many providers throughout the state, including having a Housing Specialist on staff that can work to address barriers to permanent housing like evictions or bad credit.
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Can I smoke in my room?
Transitional Housing does allow smoking or vaping outside in the designated smoking area. There is NO smoking or vaping allowed in any rooms nor in any of the VIC campus buildings.
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Is alcohol use allowed?
Drugs or alcohol use is not allowed while in the Transitional Housing Program, while on or off property. The VIC can and does require pre-entrance and random Breathalyzer and Drug testing.
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Can I use marijuana in the program?
There is no drug or alcohol use of any kind allowed while enrolled in the program. This includes medical marijuana. While medical marijuana is legal in New Mexico, the VIC receives federal funding, and the federal government does not recognize medical marijuana as a legal drug at this time.
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Can I enroll if I have a family?
Our program accepts legally married spouses of any gender, including minor children under the legal guardianship of either spouse. The client receiving services must be an eligible Veteran.
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How long is the program?
The Transitional Housing (TH) program can provide housing for 3 months and up to one year, although most clients graduate to independent housing after 6 to 9 months.
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Do you have to be Active Duty?
Certain programs may require active duty service to be eligible. We have multiple programs that have different service requirements. Speak with one of our Outreach Specialists to see if you qualify.
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I don't have my DD214 or ID, can you help me get it?
We can absolutely help you get your DD214, birth certificate, VA ID, or other form of ID. Sometimes this is a quick process, but sometimes it is more lengthy. We will help you with the process even if you don’t qualify for or chose to participate in the Transitional Housing program.
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Do I qualify for transitional housing if I don't qualify for VA healthcare?
The Veteran does not have to qualify for VA healthcare to qualify for Transitional housing. But you will be required to go to the VA to register, and will have to interview with our VA Liaison as part of the enrollment process, if accepted.
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I don't have a VA card or a DD214 or any state ID, can I still get services?
Yes. Our staff will help you get a DD214 replaced, and can direct you on where to go for enrollment at the VA hospital, if you’re not currently enrolled. We may be able to help verify your Veteran status to establish eligibility. You won’t be turned away for services!
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