Rent, mortgage aid available in Albuquerque

Pandemic-affected residents can also use funds for utilities

Albuquerque residents have a new place to turn for help paying bills.

The city of Albuquerque’s $21.6 million Emergency Rental Assistance program has begun accepting applications. Those who meet income and other eligibility criteria can get up to 15 months of rent and utility payment assistance. The funding can go toward past-due rent and utility bills as well as future rent.

To qualify, applicants must make 80% or less than the area median income.

That varies by household size but is $44,250 for a two-person household. Applicants must also have been directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19 and be at risk of homelessness or housing instability.

The city is working with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to administer the money, which was made available through federal legislation. The state will pay landlords and utility companies directly.

Additional information and a link to the state’s application site is available at cabq.gov/rent.

Bernalillo County has launched a similar $5 million rental assistance program to serve people who live in the county but outside Albuquerque city and tribal land limits. For more information, including an application link, visit bernco.gov/ rent.

3 months of mortgage help

There are also resources for homeowners who are struggling to pay their bills.

Albuquerque has put $180,000 of its federal COVID-19 relief money toward the Homewise Emergency Mortgage Assistance Fund, bringing available funding to $250,000.

Albuquerque residents who meet

income qualifications and have had income affected by COVID-19 may qualify for up to three months of mortgage payment assistance, up to $1,200 per month.

Funds are available first come, first served.

“Albuquerque has shown its trademark resilience through this pandemic,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “It’s great there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but we aren’t letting up before the finish line. We’re still working closely with partners to make sure homeowners in our city don’t face the devastating prospect of losing their homes.”

To apply, call Homewise at 505-983-9473 or go to homewise.org/emergencymortgage-assistance-fund. Representatives are available to help in English and Spanish.