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Outreach Services and Programs
At The Life Link, our Outreach Services and Programs are dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and those facing re-entry challenges after incarceration.
Our R.I.S.E. (Reintegrating into Society Equally) program, developed in partnership with Santa Fe County, is a 90-day initiative designed to reduce recidivism by providing housing assistance, career development, and basic living skills.
We also offer direct outreach to people experiencing homelessness, connecting them with critical resources and support.
Additionally, the SOS Safe Outdoor Space serves as a low-barrier emergency shelter for individuals unable to succeed in traditional shelters, offering on-site case management, advocacy, and life skills to help them transition into permanent housing solutions.
R.I.S.E. (Reintegrating into Society Equally)
The R.I.S.E. program is a 90-day initiative developed by The Life Link in partnership with Santa Fe County to address recidivism by providing comprehensive support for individuals transitioning out of incarceration. Through career development, life skills training, and housing assistance, the program aims to foster independence and self-esteem for participants who face significant barriers upon re-entry into society.
The process begins before release, with referrals coming from the Santa Fe County Detention Facility’s “Matrix Pod,” a recovery-focused unit where individuals prepare for sobriety and reintegration. Once transferred to the “Re-Entry Pod,” participants receive an orientation from The Life Link’s RISE Navigator, who conducts intakes using the Unite Us platform to coordinate community resources. Assessments such as the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening, employment history, and service enrollment are completed to identify client needs and set goals.
Upon release, participants enter RISE transitional housing and work with the navigator to establish daily routines, secure employment, and access supportive services like therapy, medication management, and outpatient treatment. A structured 45-day plan helps clients focus on saving for future housing while maintaining sobriety, attending services, and building independent living skills. Weekly house meetings address responsibilities and potential conflicts, ensuring accountability and communication.
In the second 45 days, participants continue saving toward permanent housing, with the navigator assisting in the housing search. By the end of the program, clients are expected to have $2,000 saved for move-in costs. If housing isn’t secured by the 90-day mark, clients may remain on a week-to-week basis if they adhere to house policies.
Post-transitional housing, clients are encouraged to maintain supportive services while practicing self-reliance. Follow-up support is offered to track outcomes and ensure continued success. Ongoing data collection—including recidivism rates and trauma assessments—helps evaluate program impact and improve service delivery.
R.I.S.E. empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, fostering long-term stability and reducing the cycle of incarceration.
Safe Outdoor Space
The Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) program, developed by The Life Link in partnership with the City of Santa Fe, addresses unsheltered homelessness by providing low-barrier shelter options for individuals who face challenges accessing traditional shelters. SOS accommodates people with high barriers, such as pets, couples, and those with substance use or co-occurring diagnoses. Clients remain in compliance as long as they engage with caseworkers, with no set discharge period. Due to limited capacity, client selection is handled by a committee composed of local outreach organizations, including SouthWest Care Center, La Familia Healthcare, City of Santa Fe Park Rangers, Youth Shelters, Chaplain Joe’s Street Outreach, and The Life Link.
SOS houses 10 pallet shelters, serving 10-20 adults and their pets. Meals are provided throughout the week, and group activities focus on building community and daily living skills, including an art group by Unhoused Art. Case management, skill-building, and 24/7 oversight are provided on-site. Clients can participate in therapy, rehabilitation, and psychiatric services through The Life Link. Field trips are incorporated to promote social skills and community integration. With trauma-informed care at its core, SOS fosters trust and encourages clients to disclose personal histories and work toward personal goals.