New Mexico is offering a state-wide Emergency Rental Assistance Program in hopes of helping thousands of residents keep a roof over their heads.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is geared towards those facing financial troubles due to pandemic-related issues, and may provide assistance for retroactive rental-payments or payments for up to three months in advance, KRQE reported.
"Many folks were furloughed, some folks lost their jobs, some had to reduce their number of hours working, some folks faced financial hardship by having multiple deaths in their family, all attributed to COVID," ERAP Director Donnie Quintana said.
Quintana said that participants can receive help with rent and utilities for up to 15 months, if eligible, and others who have recently been evicted and are eligible can receive assistance in covering temporary lodging cost such as a hotel.
"In addition to that we also provide first month, last month, and monthly deposits so we can help folks moving to a new rental unit," he said.
Approximately 17,500 New Mexicans receive rental and utility assistance totaling $43 million through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. New Mexico still has nearly $127 million of $170 million in federal funding to use before September of next year.
To be eligiable for the Emergence Rental Assistance Program, a resident must by in risk of homelessness or housing instability and at or below 80% the average median income for their county, KRQE reported. For more information or to apply, visit renthelpnm.org.