Report on the Los Alamos County Social Services Division’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The Los Alamos County Social Services Division, operating under the Community Services Department, plays a critical role in advancing community health and well-being. The division’s programs and services are instrumental in addressing local challenges and directly contribute to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report outlines the division’s core functions, key performance outcomes, and their alignment with the global sustainability agenda.

Core Services and Alignment with SDGs

The division provides direct support and case coordination for individuals and families facing hardship. These services are foundational to creating a more equitable and sustainable community.

Promoting Economic Stability and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 1, SDG 8, SDG 10)

To combat poverty and promote economic opportunity, the division offers assistance with:

• Job-Seeking (SDG 8): Facilitating connections with Workforce Solutions and assistance with local job applications.
• Utility Assistance (SDG 1): Support with applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Los Alamos Utilities Assistance Program.
• Benefit Programs (SDG 10): Guidance with initial and renewal applications for federal and state programs designed to reduce economic disparities.

Ensuring Food Security and Well-being (SDG 2, SDG 3)

The division actively works to ensure residents have access to nutrition and healthcare, which are cornerstones of good health and well-being.

• Food Security (SDG 2): Assistance with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• Health Access (SDG 3): Facilitating referrals to physical and behavioral health providers and assisting with Medicaid applications to ensure access to essential health services.

Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Communities (SDG 11)

Access to safe and stable housing is a key determinant of community health. The division supports this goal through:

• Housing Assistance: Support for clients navigating Section 8 housing vouchers and rental applications.
• Eviction Support: Guidance for individuals facing eviction processes to prevent homelessness.

Key Performance Outcomes and Impact on SDGs

The division’s efforts have yielded significant, measurable impacts on the community, directly advancing specific SDG targets.

Addressing Homelessness and Basic Needs (SDG 1, SDG 11)

Over the past two years, the division has made significant strides in supporting the county’s most vulnerable residents:

1. Assisted more than 40 individuals experiencing homelessness with emergency, short-term, and long-term support.
2. Provided emergency aid, including gift cards for groceries and meals, and distributed food and toiletry bags when other resources were unavailable.
3. Successfully secured stable housing for four active clients within Los Alamos County in the last year.

Public Health and Safety Initiatives (SDG 3)

In a direct response to public health challenges, the division has implemented a robust opioid overdose prevention program:

• Trained over 250 people in opioid overdose prevention.
• Distributed more than 1,000 boxes of naloxone (Narcan) throughout the community in the last two years.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

The division exemplifies the importance of collaboration by managing contracts and working with a network of regional partners to deliver comprehensive services. Key collaborations include:

• LA Cares
• Self Help
• First Born
• JJAB
• Legal Aid / Public Defenders

Furthermore, the division and County Health Council volunteers engage in extensive community outreach at events like Earth Day, ScienceFest, and farmers markets to educate the public and improve access to services.

Conclusion and Public Engagement

The Los Alamos County Social Services Division is a vital local institution whose work is deeply aligned with the principles of sustainable development. By providing a safety net and pathways to stability, the division helps ensure that all residents can thrive, contributing to a more resilient, equitable, and healthy community.

Contact and Meeting Information

• Location: 1183 Diamond Drive Suite #E, Los Alamos, 87544
• Appointments: (505) 662-8068

Community members interested in learning more about these efforts are encouraged to attend the County Health Council meeting on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. The hybrid meeting allows for in-person attendance at 1000 Central Avenue, Room 110, or virtual participation via Zoom. The agenda and link are available at the Los Alamos Legistar Calendar.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses the work of the Los Alamos County Social Services Department, which focuses on providing a safety net for vulnerable community members. The services described directly connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at improving human well-being and creating sustainable communities.

• SDG 1: No Poverty: The department’s efforts to assist with federal and state benefit programs, housing, and utilities are fundamental to alleviating poverty and providing a basic standard of living. The article explicitly mentions helping “individuals experiencing homelessness” and those facing “hardships.”
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By assisting with applications for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and by providing “gift-cards for groceries, meals and basic needs,” the department directly addresses food insecurity.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article highlights assistance with Medicaid applications, referrals for “Physical and Behavioral Health,” and a significant initiative for “opioid overdose prevention” through Narcan distribution and training. These actions are central to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The focus on housing, including “Section 8 / Housing vouchers,” eviction assistance, and helping clients “secure stable housing,” aligns with the goal of making communities inclusive and ensuring access to adequate and affordable housing.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific programs and services mentioned in the article, the following targets can be identified:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
     • Explanation: The article states the department helps people navigate “complex procedures to receive assistance” with “Federal and state benefit programs” like Medicaid and SNAP, which are key components of a social protection system.
   • Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance.
     • Explanation: The department’s work in providing assistance with “Utilities,” “Housing,” and “Job-seeking” directly contributes to ensuring access to basic services and economic resources for vulnerable populations.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
     • Explanation: The article details assistance with “SNAP applications and WIC referrals” and the provision of “gift-cards for groceries” and “food/toiletry bags,” which are direct actions to ensure people have access to sufficient food.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
     • Explanation: The article explicitly mentions that the department has “trained over 250 people in opioid overdose prevention” and distributed “more than 1,000 boxes of naloxone (brand name: Narcan),” which is a direct effort to prevent and treat substance abuse.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
     • Explanation: By assisting with “Medicaid applications” and providing “referrals to providers” for physical and behavioral health, the department helps community members gain access to essential health-care services.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
     • Explanation: The article describes direct assistance with “Section 8 housing vouchers and rental applications” and notes that the department “helped four active clients secure stable housing in Los Alamos County in the past year.” This directly addresses the need for adequate and affordable housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several specific, quantifiable metrics that can serve as indicators to measure progress.

• For Targets 1.4 and 11.1 (Access to Housing/Basic Services):
  • Number of individuals experiencing homelessness who received assistance: “more than 40 different individuals experiencing homelessness” in the past two years.
  • Number of clients who secured stable housing: “helped four active clients secure stable housing in Los Alamos County in the past year.”
  • Types of assistance provided: Assistance with Section 8 vouchers, rental applications, and utility bill payments (LIHEAP).
• For Target 3.5 (Substance Abuse Prevention):
  • Number of people trained in overdose prevention: “trained over 250 people in opioid overdose prevention.”
  • Amount of naloxone distributed: “more than 1,000 boxes of naloxone (brand name: Narcan) distributed in the past two years.”
• For Targets 1.3, 2.1, and 3.8 (Access to Social Protection/Food/Health):
  • The article implies progress can be measured by the number of successful applications for programs like “Medicaid, SNAP, WIC,” though it does not provide a specific count. The existence of assistance for these applications is itself an indicator of activity towards the target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: losalamosreporter.com