N.M. Delegation Announces $500,000 to Support Affordable Housing Access in New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) welcomed $500,000 in federal funding for Multifamily Housing and Congregate Housing Services programs in New Mexico from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve access to quality, affordable housing for low-income seniors.  

 

“Every New Mexican deserves a safe and secure place to call home,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding that takes us a step closer toward meeting that goal for seniors. And I remain committed to tackling New Mexico’s housing crisis head-on with real solutions that invest in a better, more stable future for all.” 

 

“Access to safe and affordable housing is essential for our communities,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome these federal investments toward affordable housing, which will help alleviate financial burdens for seniors. No one should go unhoused and that’s why these investments are critical to our communities, and I will continue to support resources to expand affordable housing for all.” 

 

“I’m grateful this federal funding will help us provide affordable housing for our seniors,” said Leger Fernández. “This $500,000 will go to housing developments in my district and across the state. Every New Mexican deserves to live in a home they can afford!”

 

“Housing is a human right,” said Stansbury. “That’s why I am thrilled to welcome this federal funding that will help seniors keep a roof over their heads. It is our responsibility to make sure our communities are taken care of, and investments like this do just that.” 

 

“We must address rising costs of housing in New Mexico, and thankfully this federal investment will make a difference for seniors across the state,” said Vasquez. “I am committed to expanding affordable housing, and am proud to welcome these funds as one of the many ways to support New Mexicans.” 

 

HUD has awarded funding to the following: 

The Congressional delegation remains committed to identifying and implementing comprehensive policy solutions that tackle the affordable housing crisis in New Mexico.  

 

Recently, Senator Heinrich helped to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which includes dozens of local projects to ensure affordable housing availability across the state. It also includes increased funding for key programs Heinrich successfully advocated for, including Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers) and Project-Based Rental Assistance, the Indian Housing Block Grant program, and the Resident Opportunities and Supportive Services (ROSS) Program and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.  

 

In June, Senator Heinrich introduced the DEPOSIT Act, bicameral legislation to improve access to rental housing that could help more than 12,000 New Mexican families overcome the barrier of security deposit payments when moving into new housing.  

Heinrich is also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, legislation that would help build over 14,000 new affordable homes in New Mexico over the next decade.