The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has announced the launch of the Home Improvement Program, a scheme designed to provide direct home rehabilitation services in eight counties. The initiative is intended to fill gaps in service provision left by the HOME Rehabilitation Program and will be operational in Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, Quay, San Juan, and Union Counties.
The HOME Rehabilitation Program was created to address essential home repairs and bring residences up to code for homeowners who lack the necessary resources. The newly introduced Home Improvement Program expands on these efforts by enabling eligible income-qualified homeowners to access repairs, reconstruction, and rehabilitation services. This includes a variety of improvements such as energy-saving measures, hazard elimination, accessibility enhancements, structural alterations among others. Applications for the Home Improvement Program will be accepted from qualified individuals from Feb. 1 to 29 according to an MFA press release.
Donna Maestas-De Vries, MFA Chief Housing Officer said: "Because it has historically been challenging to identify a home rehabilitation service provider in certain counties, MFA’s Board of Directors granted approval for us to provide services directly." She continued: "We continue to be innovative in terms of identifying creative solutions to help ensure New Mexicans have safe, affordable housing. Our team saw a need and we are excited that we are about to address that need through this program."
The MFA is an independent quasi-governmental organization committed to ensuring access to quality affordable housing and related services for low- and moderate-income residents of New Mexico. It utilizes resources from housing bonds, tax credits as well as diverse federal and state agencies. According to information provided on its website, the MFA facilitates the development of affordable rental communities, restoration of aging homes and provision of down payment assistance and affordable mortgages. It also provides emergency shelter management along with rental assistance and subsidies.