Need home repairs? This program may cover the cost

More than $3 million available through state-funded rehabilitation initiative

Organ Mountain News report

ALBUQUERQUE - A statewide program offering free home repairs to eligible New Mexicans has expanded — with more than $3 million now available to help low-income homeowners make safety upgrades, fix structural issues and improve accessibility.

The funding comes from Housing New Mexico’s HOME Rehabilitation Program, which covers a wide range of critical repairs — including electrical hazards, failing roofs, code violations and fall-prevention improvements — at no cost to qualifying residents.

Recent changes to the program mean more homeowners are eligible, and more service providers can now do the work.

“We’re opening the door to serve more communities, including areas that weren’t previously eligible,” said Donna Maestas-De Vries, chief housing officer for Housing New Mexico. “This program is about ensuring that all New Mexicans have access to safe, stable housing — no matter their zip code.”

The updated guidelines also remove territorial restrictions, allowing homeowners to apply through any approved provider that works in their county — rather than being limited to a single option.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, homeowners must:

• Own and live in the home as their primary residence
• Have a household income at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI)
• Live in a home that meets HUD’s after-rehabilitation value guidelines
• Pass feasibility and environmental review requirements

As an example, the income limit for a two-person household is $45,200 in McKinley County and $45,900 in Grant County.

How to apply

Homeowners do not apply directly through the state — instead, they apply through local service providers that have been awarded funding. A list of approved providers and application details are available on the Housing New Mexico website.

The program is funded through a federal HUD formula grant known as the HOME Investment Partnership Program. In addition to helping individual homeowners, the funding is available to a broad range of eligible applicants — including nonprofits, tribal housing agencies and local government housing offices.

Rebecca Wurzburger, treasurer of the Housing New Mexico Board, said the updated program reflects a commitment to ongoing improvement and access.

“I really admire the process of reviewing current programs and making appropriate changes for the future,” she said.

For full details or to view the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), visit housingnm.org.

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