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A Dramatically Changed Situation in Española

The rate of homelessness per capita in Española is now roughly 10-15 times higher than in LA county.  Since 2021, that number has dramatically increased  in Española due to: 

    Deaths and economic hardships due to COVID.  

    150+ people being displaced when units were shuttered in 2 low-income apartment  complexes 

    A worsening problem of substance use disorders, mostly related to fentanyl. 

 

In 2024, many unhoused people are living in and around Española, including on land belonging to Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblos. Encampments of unhoused people have stirred much controversy in Española, and most have been taken down by the authorities. The unhoused living in those encampments have included families, single men, and single women. Over 80% are from  the Española Valley or Santa Fe. No young children live in the camps; they are largely living with relatives who have housing. 

 

Additionally, due to financial and staffing shortages, the Española Pathways Shelter is currently unable to provide overnight stays for unhoused people or case management services. Instead, they are providing food, clothes, bathrooms, etc. to the 50+  people now encamped on their property. There is no other shelter in Española. The Pathways Shelter leaders do, though, have a promising plan to resume more indoor services and to expand their support, which they’ve laid out for our interfaith group. 

 

An important share of the unhoused people in Española suffer from substance use disorders, now largely related to fentanyl. Overdose death rates in Rio Arriba County are about 4 times the national  average. Although this is a critical issue on its own and a major determinant of being unhoused, there is no detox center in Española for people wanting to start on medication for their addiction