On June 27, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) issued a press release announcing that the MFA Board of Directors authorized $1,380,892 in awards for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program on June 21, 2023. HOPWA, a federal initiative, focuses on aiding low-income individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS by providing support such as Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance, as well as Permanent Placement Assistance according to a press release by MFA.

"It is important that all New Mexicans, especially those most vulnerable, have opportunities for housing and financial support when they need it," New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority Chief Housing Officer Donna Maestas-De Vries.

According to a press release issued by MFA on June 27, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Board of Directors approved $1,380,892 in awards for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program, which is funded by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and distributed through a competitive application process. During the 2022-2023 program year, MFA successfully assisted 263 individuals, with 137 of them receiving aid in Bernalillo County, which has the highest reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the state, with 1,650 reported cases according to the New Mexico Department of Health. Statewide, there are 3,896 reported diagnoses, with Santa Fe, Doña Ana, and Sandoval being the counties with the next highest numbers after Bernalillo.

"According to the New Mexico Department of Health, an estimated 1,944 individuals are affected by HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that unstable housing can significantly impact an individual’s ability to adhere consistently to HIV treatment, contributing to poor health. It is important that all New Mexicans, especially those most vulnerable, have opportunities for housing and financial support when they need it,” said Donna Maestas-De Vries, MFA’s Chief Housing Officer, according to a press release by MFA.

The HOPWA program provides three primary forms of housing assistance, namely Tenant Based Rental Assistance, Short Term Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance, and Permanent Placement Assistance. Tenant Based Rental Assistance supports low-income families with rental aid, while Short Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance aims to prevent homelessness by offering financial support for rental, mortgage, or utility payments along with access to supportive services. Permanent Housing Placement aids unhoused families in securing permanent housing by covering various expenses such as application and credit check fees, utility connection fees, and first and last months’ rent according to a press release by MFA.

The MFA's ongoing commitment to administering these awards showcases the importance of partnerships between federal initiatives and state agencies in addressing critical housing needs among vulnerable populations.