Transforming lives in New Mexico since 2004.
Vision
Transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness.
Mission
To empower families to end their homelessness and poverty through housing, education and supportive community.
At Saranam, families are provided with safe housing, intensive case management, and a strong, supportive community. With basic living needs met for up to two years, parents are able to focus on education, vocational training, and building the life skills necessary for long-term independence. This comprehensive approach creates a clear and achievable pathway toward economic stability.
Central to our work is a two-generational model that serves both parents and their children. By investing in education, well-being, and stability of the entire family, we help break cycles of generational poverty. When parents gain education and economic security, children benefit. When children are supported in their growth and development, parents are inspired to build a more secure future. This dynamic creates a foundation for lasting, generational change.
Our program is rooted in research, shaped by experience, and continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of our families. The impact is lasting: 77% of families leave Saranam successfully. And the story continues beyond—our successful alumni sustain an 87% long-term stability rate, including safe stable housing, means of income, and demonstrated resilience, a testament to the skills, confidence, and community built during their time with us.
Saranam’s model is built on three essential steps to ending homelessness and poverty for families:
Housing ends homelessness.
Education leads to employment.
Community creates connection.
Together, these elements form a pathway not just out of crisis—but toward stability, opportunity, and a future defined by possibility.
To honor Frances’ vision, in 2001 the pastor and members of a special church committee created a project that they eventually named Saranam, which means “refuge” in Sanskrit. The name Saranam comes from a hymn: “God is my refuge that is higher than I, Saranam Saranam Saranam….”
Saranam Grows
Saranam welcomed its first four families on February 24, 2004. In 2005, we purchased the apartments at Frances Thaxton Ash Campus on Albuquerque’s east side, creating housing for up to 20 families. As the need for our services grew, so did our vision.
After years of planning, feasibility studies, fundraising, and site development, construction began on the ADC Family Campus on Albuquerque’s west side in 2022. Despite pandemic and supply chain delays, families began moving into the new campus in phases starting in late 2024.
In May 2026, we celebrated the completion of the full campus expansion, including 23 new homes, classrooms, family and program spaces, community gathering areas, gardens, playgrounds, and Saranam’s central offices.
Today, Saranam is fully occupied across two campuses, serving more families than ever before. And we are just getting started. The future of Saranam is one of continued growth, innovation, and expanding opportunities for families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for generations to come.