WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $318,694 in rural development grants for home construction and rehabilitation, and home repair preservation to three housing organizations in Las Cruces, Deming and Bernalillo.
The Tierra Del Sol rural development investment will provide technical assistance to Mutual Self Help Applicants to assist 12 families in constructing their own homes; and 15 families in rehabilitating their homes in Columbus, New Mexico. Southwest Regional Housing CDC will assists groups of low-income individuals and families to provide assistance with home loan-packaging in Dona Ana County.
Rebuilding Together’s Rural Development investment will provides residents of Bernalillo with repairs to address housing instability and improve home health and safety standards. This home repair will accommodate those with disabilities by installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and reconfiguring bathrooms. This grant will fund heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and plumbing services to improve quality of living.
“Accessible and reliable housing is essential for New Mexicans during this pandemic to keep our families safe,” said Udall, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Every New Mexican should have access to safe and affordable housing that meets their needs, and this Rural Development funding is an important step toward housing security for all. I will continue to fight for increased funding to expand access for all communities in New Mexico to have safe and accessible housing assistance.”
“Access to safe and stable housing is critical for all New Mexicans, and ensuring housing security is absolutely essential to protect our health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Heinrich. “This Rural Development funding will help families in New Mexico access affordable housing during these difficult months. I will continue to push for even more federal support like this to provide safe, affordable housing options for families and put our state on the road toward a strong economic recovery.”
“New Mexico is facing a critical point in our fight against the pandemic. As our community shelters-in-place to protect our healthcare system and save lives, families need access to safe and secure housing. This Rural Development funding will invest resources in Las Cruces and Deming to increase housing security at a time families need it the most,” said Torres Small.
The USDA Rural Development Housing Programs help individuals buy, rent or repair a home, help nonprofits and rural communities improve housing availability, and help lenders expand their housing and community development portfolios while mitigating risk with a USDA loan guarantee.
A breakdown of the grant funding is below:
- $174,476
- Rebuilding Together
- $81,000
- Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation
- $63,218
- Southwest Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation
