Family Housing in Hotels for Addiction Recovery Program at Risk Due to Funding Shortage

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A critical recovery program for individuals grappling with addiction in Albuquerque appears to be facing imminent closure as funding issues have led to the discharge of nearly 160 patients. The initiative, which sought to provide supportive housing for recovering addicts and their families, was founded on the premise of a comprehensive, family-centered approach to addiction rehabilitation but has recently fallen victim to a lack of financial resources and support.

Launched in October by founder Tonnie Steen, Vital Behavioral Care aimed to create a nurturing environment for patients by securing leases on hotel accommodations. Residents not only received behavioral health support but also participated in essential life skills training. Steen, who has dedicated her career to combating addiction, expressed her commitment to making a positive impact: “Everybody wants to live knowing, ‘I did something great.’ This is my something great.”

The program primarily operated out of two leased hotels, including a Quality Inn located off Gibson, with a focus on family integration. Patients such as Dana Continola, who resided at the hotel with his wife and four children, were able to access valuable resources like parenting classes and financial literacy workshops. Continola articulated the familial focus of his recovery, stating, “As a man, my life is for my children, for my wife, to support them, to be there for them.”

Moreover, the stories of residents such as Victoria highlight the program’s significant impact. After enduring years of homelessness and substance abuse stemming from personal tragedy, Victoria found hope at Vital Behavioral Care, which also offered her the opportunity to reunite with her children, who had previously been in state custody.

Despite its promising start, the program now confronts financial insolvency. Delayed reimbursements from private insurance and Medicaid have plagued its operational viability, ultimately leading to a reliance on a private donor who can no longer sustain the financial burden. Steen highlighted the magnitude of the funding issue, indicating, “We’re not talking 0,000; we’re talking million.”

As families were discharged into uncertainty, Steen lamented the heartbreaking position of having to inform children, some as young as six, that they would be displaced from a stable living environment.

The city of Albuquerque initially stated that it had no formal contract with Vital Behavioral Care but acknowledged the gravity of the situation, pledging to explore potential funding avenues to support the organization’s efforts. City officials emphasized their commitment to assisting vulnerable residents and indicated that they would encourage the program to apply for funds from forthcoming opioid settlement settlements.

The urgency for a solution is palpable among patients and staff alike. Roy Sease, a program participant, noted the dire alternative he faces should the program cease operations, while Continola expressed the level of desperation of many families: “This is my last chance as a family man.”

In light of ongoing inquiries by local media, the state has made preliminary efforts to discuss potential reimbursements with Vital Behavioral Care. However, as the situation remains precarious, the future of dozens of families hangs in the balance, prompting calls for immediate community and governmental action.