The Life Link adopted three types of supportive housing approaches:

La Luz is permanent supportive housing for those needing independence and structure within their treatment plan. There are 24 units. Sixteen of those are single residence and are what would be equivalent to a studio apartment. Eight of the sixteen are 2 and 3 bedroom full apartments. These apartments are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Life Link building. Our full apartments take in families, single parents with children, and singles who can live with other singles.

Upon intake, as many as 60 to 70 per cent have no income, are not compliant with any prescribed medications, have not been fully diagnosed, and often have little or no understanding of their mental illness. Getting off the streets is the first big step, and developing a mutually respectful relationship with staff help to create an atmosphere of empowerment. Statistics from 2002 show that the average length these individuals stay at La Luz is 9.3 months. Of those that left the facility 40% moved into rental housing or apartment with no subsidy, and 52% moved into rental housing with subsidy. It was also found that 8% left La Luz and returned to emergencies shelters or homelessness. These last groups were all dually diagnosed. Requirements for staying in La Luz include agreeing to meet with case managers, counselors if necessary, and supported employment staff. We believe in developing an individualized housing plan for each resident.

Casa Milagro is a 12-bed therapeutic community designed for mentally ill adults who have unsuccessfully attempted independent living. The supportive services provided are holistic in nature to focus on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Casa Milagro is staffed 24 hours a day, and provides medication monitoring, stimulating group activities, and animal companions. Each resident is responsible for a share of maintenance chores (housework, shopping, meals preparation) and are required to attend daily house meetings. The goal is long term permanent supportive housing with community supports. In 2001 a total of 12 individuals lived at Casa Milagro. All 12 attended some type of class at the community college, have a peer led creative writing support group, 3 have secured employment, and all have gained self-sufficiency skills. Two left the program, one was able to move into housing with her mother, and the second moved into independent housing.

Life Link scattered-sites shelter plus care provides 15 homeless mentally ill or dually diagnosed individuals with rental assistance. This is what is often described as the community integration model. Housing and treatment are regarded as separate domains, with client choice. The resident must meet all the requirements of their lease with the landlord. These individuals continue to come to the Life Link building for Psychiatric services, most no longer are seeing a counselor, but all have a case manager. Support services are provided with as much or as little as the client feels is necessary. They are required to pay 30% of whatever income they have as rent,

All three housing programs have waiting lists, and are highly sought after by other communities in New Mexico.