City Council Approves Councilor Renée Grout’s Continuing Sobriety Voucher Pilot Program

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, the Albuquerque City Council took a significant step in addressing the intersection of homelessness and substance use recovery by approving the Continuing Sobriety Voucher (CSV) Pilot Program. Sponsored by City Councilor Renée Grout, District 9, R-25-218 directs the City’s Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness (HHH) to provide structured, sobriety-based housing support for individuals transitioning out of treatment.

The CSV Pilot Program is designed to serve up to 25 adults experiencing homelessness who are exiting detox, rehab, or other substance-use treatment programs. Unlike traditional "Housing First" models, this pilot targets individuals who voluntarily commit to maintaining sobriety in exchange for up to 12 months of housing assistance paired with intensive recovery support services.

"As soon as we announced this program, we heard from people who want to participate," said Councilor Renée Grout. "HHH created a great plan that will help people achieve success in a new, healthier lifestyle. This isn't just about providing a roof; it’s about providing the right environment for long-term recovery."

A Data-Driven Path to Stability

The program emphasizes a therapeutic, non-punitive approach for those approved for the vouchers. Approved participants will receive: 

• Level 3 recovery housing standards and mandatory case management. 

• Peer and clinical supports to navigate the challenges of early sobriety. 

• Graduated supportive responses to relapses, ensuring that individuals are re-engaged with treatment rather than facing automatic eviction.

 The pilot will be funded by $842,600 from Opioid Settlement Funds over Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, ensuring that this initiative carries no impact on the City’s General Fund. By utilizing these specific funds, the City is directly reinvesting resources intended to combat the opioid crisis back into the recovery of its residents.

 Testing New Solutions

The CSV Program serves as a vital data-gathering effort. By funding an external evaluation, the City will compare outcomes—such as housing stability and service engagement—against traditional housing models. This will provide the Council with the evidence needed to inform future policy and ensure Albuquerque is using the most effective tools to end homelessness.

 Timeline and Implementation

With the Council’s approval, the HHH will move quickly to: 

Finalize voucher rent standards and landlord incentives within the next 30 days. 

Issue Request For Proposal for a Level 3 recovery housing provider and an evaluation partner. 

Begin client intake through the Gateway Recovery program and community partners. 

Participants who complete the 12-month pilot will be transitioned into stable, permanent housing to ensure their hard work to sobriety leads to a lifetime of independence.