new behavioral health complex to see building in bernalillo county

Work could begin later this year on the construction or renovation of a housing complex in Bernalillo County geared especially for people with behavioral health issues.

Members of the Bernalillo County Commission have voted to approve up to $8 million as a one-time investment in funding for a complex that would have anywhere from 40 to 60 housing units, and would also include professional support services.

Focusing specifically on both veteran and non-veteran homeless individuals, the complex will be paid for out of a bond approved by voters for behavioral health treatment projects.

It is not yet known whether the complex will be an entirely new building, or the result of an existing structure upgrade.

Commission members additionally approved spending up to $1 million per year to operate the new complex. Additional funding may be secured from federal housing sources.

In November members of the commission approved providing up to $3 million annually to the country’s Department of Behavioral Health Services for the purpose of expanding crisis services for those living with substance abuse and behavioral health challenges.

Funding for the county’s behavioral health initiatives is drawn from a one-eighth percent gross receipts tax set up in 2015.

By Garry Boulard

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