How much does it cost?
All services are FREE to the residents who live at the Nest.
How does a woman or man get into the Nest?
Residents are sometimes brought to the Nest by the Police, counselors or pastors, friends or employers. Many women simply show up on our doorsteps needing help. This is one of the benefits of having a shelter where victims can access the very services intended to help them break the cycle of domestic violence.
You can call the Nest at (575) 378-6378 or toll-free at (866) 378-6378 at any hour of the day – our phone lines are staffed by professionals 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Are children allowed in the shelter?
Absolutely! The giggles of children fill the shelter every day and remind us how blessed we are to have this great facility for our families in need!
Why is the location of the shelter advertised?
I thought shelters were supposed to be “hidden” or in confidential locations.
The Nest is designed on the new model of open sheltering. We are a publically advertised shelter, very near both police and fire departments and with an enhanced security system to ensure all residents, staff and volunteers are safe.
Thanks to the Hubbard Foundation and Pitch Energy, the Nest boasts an extensive computerized security surveillance system – 17 cameras and audio/video/intercom cameras inside the shelter as well as on the exterior perimeter of the building. The cameras are monitored by staff, police and First Alarm and Security in Ruidoso.
Our facility is totally locked down, requiring staff to “buzz through” anyone who seeks admission into the offices or shelter. HEAL has very rigid security policies and protocol to ensure that the Nest remains the safest shelter in all of New Mexico. Our residents often comment on how safe they feel inside the Nest.
What services are available at the Nest?
Some of our services include emergency shelter, food, clothing, access to medical care, housing needs, education and training, legal advocacy, job searching, resume and job interview preparation, counseling (individual, child & family), domestic violence education, Enrichment Series and self-esteem development and life skills such as parenting skills, nutrition, assertiveness and budgeting.
SERVICES: https://helpendabuseforlife.org/24-hour-hotline/
PROGRAMS: https://helpendabuseforlife.org/24-hour-hotline/programs/
How do the residents get to and from appointments?
HEAL has two vans for staff to transport residents.
What funding does HEAL receive?
Our primary funding comes from the New Mexico Legislature and New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD). We also receive numerous grants and support from private foundations, organizations, businesses, local service clubs, churches and individuals in our community.
Does the state pay to keep the shelter open?
No. We receive money from CYFD for general operations as well as for services provided to residents. This “fee for service” contract means we are paid ONLY if residents are in the shelter and receiving services.
For small, rural programs whose client numbers can fluctuate wildly, this kind of contract can be disadvantageous because if the shelter numbers do drop, the shelter is subject to closure since it is not able to bill the state or receive funding to “keep the lights on.” Fortunately for HEAL, this has not been a problem since the Nest opened.