Santa Fe, New Mexico's St. Elizabeth: The Hilton of Shelters

Between rising gas prices, the mortgage crisis, escalating food prices and dwindling wages, many Americans are experiencing the economic crunch. Cities and towns nationwide face a rising homeless population. In some places, the homeless are treated like worthless criminals or desperate drug addicts. Not so in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In this city, an entire community continues to unite to help their own.

In 1986, Santa Fe faith-based communities first united to battle he city's growing homeless situation. The Sisters of Charity, inspired by St. Elizabeth Seton, led the charge with the creation of the first shelter on Don Gasper Avenue. St. Elizabeth's Shelter served the community for 2 years in a rented building before purchasing the United Way building in 1988.

This property, located at 804 Alarid Street is St. Elizabeth's current location and the home for its Emergency Shelter. This service features 3 dorms - one each for men (twenty-two beds), women (six beds) and a family (four beds). Guests can normally stay for up to 30 days. They receive two meals a day and have laundry, phone and mail services. Different faith based communities and volunteers frequently provide the evening meal for shelter guests. Open 24 hours a day, the St. Elizabeth Shelter constantly receive clothing and food donations from Santa Fe residents. These charitable hearts are one of the secrets of St. Elizabeth's success. In 2007, 43% of shelter guests left for permanent housing in 30 days.

Unfortunately St. Elizabeth's Emergency Shelter often does not have enough beds to satisfy every housing request. In 2005, the Shelter started the Resource Center. On Monday and Friday (from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM), homeless clients receive showers, free meals, clothing, laundry, personal hygiene items and food. On many days, over one hundred clients are served.