Hearts and Stars 2010

To benefit the TAOS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS, LLC
Opening Reception Friday, November 26 from 6-8pm
Since re-opening our new Shelter on April 21, 2010, we have served over 350 men, providing over 1200 bed nights. In addition to a clean bed and the opportunity to shower and do laundry, we serve home cooked dinners which are brought to the Shelter every evening by various members of the community. Our staff gets to know each of the men, who stay with us for more than a night or two, and staff can provide counsel, and will put the men in contact with any agency that may be of assistance. The important thing in these communications, aside from the possible results, is the mutual respect and caring that becomes part of the Shelter’s environment. Under our current operating budget, it is costing us a little over $25 per night to provide these services for each man.

In addition to helping the men, the Shelter provides important community services. We are a resource for the police department, churches and mental health agencies all of which encounter men who have no where else to go. Not only is our Shelter the most humane and effective solution, it can save public funding by avoid the public expenses of incarceration and emergency room care, which are much more expensive than our costs.


The Taos Men's Shelter takes a Housing First approach to addressing chronic homelessness. Studies have shown that it is less expensive to pay rent for the chronically homeless than it is for them to live from street to shelter. More importantly, in many cases, it works in the long run to end the homelessness by allowing the man to develop the necessary tools to take more responsibility and control of their lives. Therefore, TCEH is teaming up with The Life Link in Santa Fe, which has the rent vouchers and the staff, who can help appropriately match the man to the rental unit and remain in contact on a regular basis during the critical early months of the tenancy to address any problems that may arise. We are very excited about the prospects for success using the Housing First approach, and we look forward to our first winter in our new Shelter