Just a few months ago, the situation potentially looked bleak for rehabilitation facilities in Carlsbad. The Villa de Esperanza program was possibly shutting down, as was its parent company, Golden Services, who also operated many of the counselling services around Carlsbad. Meanwhile the Avalon Ranch program, a treatment facility for women with children, had a home, but no operating provider.
Thanks to a lot of prayer, some great teamwork, and some very hard work, the pieces have all come together. LifeHouse, which has an impeccable record in Carlsbad by providing a program to bridge the gap between rehab programs and independent living, took on a leadership role that will make a difference in the lives of so many people.
LifeHouse reached an agreement with Lakeview Christian Home and purchased the former Landsun Unit, a 28,000 square foot facility. This will provide an upgraded home for the recently acquired services from Villa de Esperanza and Golden Services counselling, as well as a future opportunity to expand and offer detox services. LifeHouse has also entered an agreement to operate the Avalon Ranch program, which is a residential treatment facility for women with children located on Mesquite Street.
On top of providing needed counselling and giving people a second chance, LifeHouse’s acquisition of these two programs will preserve and create jobs in Carlsbad.
In a letter to the community, Philip Huston, the Executive Director of Carlsbad LifeHouse Inc., said the organization believed that everything coming together was divine intervention. We absolutely agree, but Huston, Kim Rogers, Dave Rogers, George Dunagan, Jeff Diamond, Woods Houghton and many others also deserve so much credit for all of their hard work. Thank you as well to the State of New Mexico for working closely with us to make this happen. As we approach the Easter weekend, the incredible story of the LifeHouse program is truly a wonderful testimonial of teamwork and compassion.
If you wish to support these efforts, donations can be made online at lifehousecarlsbad.com/donate or mailed to PO Box 3141, Carlsbad NM 88221.
The Department of Finance and Administration is spearheading the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for the State of New Mexico. The federal government allocated $170 million to the State of New Mexico to disperse for rental and utility assistance for those individuals in need in our state through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
EARP provides rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Eligible citizens include one or more individuals within the household who has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 outbreak.
For more information or to apply visit www.RentHelpNM.org. The application period is April 5, 2021- August 31, 2021.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway