Health, Housing and Homelessness Leader, Gilbert Ramirez, Honored as Social Work Pioneer

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Foundation has named Gilbert Ramirez, MSW, LCSW, Director/Executive Administrator of the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness (HHH), a Social Work Pioneer , one of the highest honors in the social work profession.

The Social Work Pioneer Award recognizes exceptional leaders whose vision and dedication have transformed systems of care and advanced equity for vulnerable populations. Ramirez is being honored for his groundbreaking leadership in behavioral health integration, crisis response, and homelessness services, which have redefined how the City of Albuquerque supports community health and well-being.

Transformational Leadership in Action

Ramirez has led or helped launch several first-of-their-kind initiatives that have positioned Albuquerque as a national model for coordinated health and housing systems, including:

• The Gateway System of Care – a connected continuum of housing, healthcare, and recovery supports designed to guide residents from crisis to stability.
• Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) – a nationally recognized alternative response department sending trained social responders to behavioral health, homelessness, and crisis calls.
• The 50-bed Medical Sobering Center – the first in New Mexico and one of only 60 nationwide, offering medically supervised stabilization and linkage to treatment.
• Gateway Recovery Housing Village – 46 transitional recovery housing units that include treatment, case management, and wraparound supports.
• The 192-bed Housing and Treatment Navigation Center – a central hub connecting clients to behavioral health, treatment, and housing placement.
• Integration of the Unite Us Platform – Ramirez spearheaded the alignment of the City’s care coordination system with the statewide Unite Us closed-loop referral platform, connecting health, housing, and social services for seamless referrals and real-time client support.
• Violence Intervention Program (VIP) – launched under Ramirez’s leadership, this initiative combines public health and social work strategies to prevent gun violence, support survivors, and disrupt cycles of trauma through early intervention and wraparound services.

“I became a social worker because I have a deep passion for being a voice for those most vulnerable,” said Gilbert Ramirez. “Every day, social workers across our state and nation are changing lives and uplifting communities. I’m proud to be part of this profession and deeply honored to be named a Social Work Pioneer among such inspiring peers.”

“Our Gateway System of Care works because it was designed through the lens of a social worker with community input,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Through each service, we are building bridges from crisis to hope and healing. Gilbert’s vision and compassion for our community are reflected in this entire system, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our leadership team.”

The NASW will formally induct Ramirez and fellow 2025 Pioneers during its Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 2026, marking the first time the Pioneer Celebration will be integrated into the national gathering of social work leaders and professionals.

Read more about Gilbert’s accomplishments and career highlights. 

Find more information about the Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness and its initiatives.