Help for eligible New Mexicans who are behind on rent and mortgage payments due to the current health crisis
ALBUQUERQUE: On Monday, November 2, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority will begin accepting applications for assistance from New Mexicans who are behind on their housing payments due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Eligible recipients can receive as much as $1,500 per month for up to three months to cover past-due rent or mortgage payments. Payments on real estate contracts, mobile or manufactured home liens and the land or lots on which they are located may also be covered.
MFA will receive $12.3 million from the State of New Mexico to fund the COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program. The program targets New Mexico households with incomes of 80 percent or less of the area median income and residents of tribal lands. Applicants must demonstrate that their income was negatively impacted by COVID-19 and provide proof that their housing payments are past due.
“The COVID-19 continues to batter our economy, and workers and families across the state have felt the effects,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “My administration is proud to help to deliver rental and housing assistance for New Mexicans, following the state’s tireless work to deliver and administer million in grants and loans for businesses and service tens of thousands of essential unemployment benefits. Working together and pursuing every possible avenue for support, we will see each other through to the other side of this crisis.”
According to a September study commissioned by the National Council of State Housing Agencies, an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 renter households in New Mexico are unable to pay their rent and risk eviction. By January 2021, there will be a rental shortfall of between $105 million and $153 million, the study estimates. And according to MFA data, mortgage payments that are 90 days or more past due have increased more than 150 percent from August 2019 to August 2020 in New Mexico.
“As the state’s affordable housing agency, we know all too well how many New Mexicans are worried about keeping a roof over their heads during this difficult time,” said Isidoro Hernandez, executive director of MFA. “We are grateful to Gov. Lujan Grisham and the State of New Mexico for funding this program, which will provide relief and peace of mind for many.”
Applications for the COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program will be accepted from 8 a.m. November 2 through 5 p.m. November 13 through MFA’s website: housingnm.org. Applications will be ranked based on income level or tribal land residency and the date and time the application was received. Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering supporting documents immediately so they can submit their application in a timely manner.
A complete list of qualifying criteria and income limits as well as a list of acceptable documentation can be found on MFA’s website: housingnm.org. A program factsheet can be downloaded here.
