New Mexico rent assistance is easy to find if you know where to look! We’ve scoured resource directories and fact-checked everything to ensure that we’re bringing you the most comprehensive, most accurate list of rental assistance programs in NM.
Statewide New Mexico Rent Assistance
There are several programs that assist people no matter where they live in the state. These agencies and organizations should be able to help you no matter what NM city you live in.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
As of the date this article was published, the state of New Mexico has almost $100 million left in their pandemic rental assistance fund and this program will only be available until September 30, 2022! This program is called the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. If you need help with rent in New Mexico, you need to check it out.
This program can cover rent and utility bills such as electric, gas, water, sewer, trash removal, fuel oil, wood and pellets. In some cases, it can also be used for housing costs like hotel and motel stays.
In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be a renter in New Mexico.
- You must owe rent to a landlord or management company.
- You must have been affected financially (either directly or indirectly) by the pandemic. This could include receiving unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction in income or increase in costs.
- You must have a household income that falls under the COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program Limits.
- You must be at risk of experiencing homeless or housing instability, as shown by a past-due rent notice or eviction notice.
You are not required to have a Social Security Number in order to complete the application. The New Mexico website clearly states that it will have no impact on immigration and that these funds will not be used in a public charge test. When you apply online, you can simply put 9 zeros or nines into the Social Security Number field.
You can apply online. Most residents of New Mexico can apply online at this link but there are different applications for people who live in Doña Ana County or Bernalillo County (outside of Albuquerque city limits).
Community Action Agencies
Community Action Agencies offer poverty relief programs across America. There are several agencies in New Mexico that may be able to assist you. They usually offer New Mexico rent assistance, as well as assistance with utilities and other essential needs.
- Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico serves Doña Ana, Sierra, Luna, Grant and Hidalgo Counties.
- Eastern Plains Community Action Agency serves Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt and Union Counties.
- Economic Council Helping Others (ECHO) serves San Juan County.
- HELP New Mexico serves Bernalillo, Catron, Chavez, Cibola, Colfax, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Los Alamos, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, San Juan, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, Socorro, Taos, Torrance, and Valencia Counties
- Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program serves Valencia, Socorro, Catron, Cibola and McKinley Counties.
- Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation serves Lincoln, Chaves, Eddy, Otero, and Lea Counties.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates through local councils and conferences. For example, the Archdiocesan Council of Sante Fe serves northern and central New Mexico through 48 chapters, 7 thrift stores and 23 food banks. This organization assists with rent, clothing assistance, bus passes, firewood and more.
Nationwide Rent Assistance Programs
Of course, there are some grant programs that are available all over the United States, too! Don’t forget to check out this list of nationwide grants and rent relief programs, because we didn’t have space in this article to repeat them!
Local New Mexico Rent Assistance
Some of the most helpful New Mexico rent assistance programs are offered in specific cities, counties or even zip codes. These programs may be able to help you if you live in their geographic boundaries and meet their requirements.
Bernalillo County
ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative
This organization is funded by many churches in the area. They can assist with utilities and other emergency financial assistance needs. They can help with emergency rental assistance, short-term hotel services, gasoline cards, food assistance and so much more.
You will need to contact them at 505-457-1728 or over email to get started.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities operates a Rental Assistance Program in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, as well as some assistance in Santa Fe. In order to be eligible, you will need to have a Writ of Restitution from an eviction filing. You must also meet income guidelines and live in a rental that falls within HUD’s Fair Market Rate guidelines.
City of Albuquerque
The City of Albuquerque offers social services at several locations around the city. Their centers offer help with rent assistance, utility assistance and emergency food benefits. They also offer food boxes, emergency diaper bank, senior commodities, WIC, Christmas programs for children and more.
- Alamosa Center serves residents of the Southwest Mesa (South Valley and Westside) areas.
- East Central Center serves residents of the Northeast (Montgomery to Central and Tramway to Carlisle) and Southeast (Gibson to Central and Tramway to Carlisle) areas of Albuquerque.
- John Marshall Center serves residents of Central Southeast Heights and Downtown areas.
- Los Griegos Center serves the Northeast Heights, Northwest Valley and North Westside areas.
Silver Horizons
Silver Horizons helps seniors (age 50+) in Albuquerque. This program can help with household bills, which can include rent, utilities, internet, firewood and propane, landline phones, vet bills for senior pets, and water. They can also help with home repairs.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers many types of assistance through their Albuquerque chapter. They offer New Mexico rent assistance, as well as assistance with food, emergency clothing, bus passes, Christmas gifts, school supplies and utilities. They encourage you to reach out for assistance right away instead of waiting until you are facing disconnection or eviction.
Los Alamos
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
The Christian Concern Committee by the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s is an outreach ministry that helps with food, medicine, doctor bills, utility payments, rent and others who are in short-term crisis in the local community.
Los Alamos Cares
Los Alamos Cares, also known as LA CARES, is a food bank. I have seen reports that they may also offer limited financial assistance with rent, utilities, car repairs, medical/dental assistance, or furniture/household goods. It is not clear what their requirements are for this program.
Self Help Inc.
Self Help Inc. provides emergency financial assistance and grants to residents of Los Alamos, northern Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties. They provide one-time emergency assistance grants for basic needs to 400-500 families per year. These grants can be used for rent, utilities, medicine and food.
Rio Arriba County
Empty Stocking Fund
The Empty Stocking Fund is organized by the Santa Fe Community Foundation. This fund provides assistance with rent, car repairs, home heating, utility bills or other basic needs. The fund is designed to provide one-time emergency assistance to those who have experienced significant financial challenges.
Self Help Inc.
Self Help Inc. provides emergency financial assistance and grants to residents of Los Alamos, northern Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties. They provide one-time emergency assistance grants for basic needs to 400-500 families per year. These grants can be used for rent, utilities, medicine and food.
Sandoval County
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities operates a New Mexico Rent Assistance Program in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, as well as some assistance in Santa Fe. In order to be eligible, you will need to have a Writ of Restitution from an eviction filing. You must also meet income guidelines and live in a rental that falls within HUD’s Fair Market Rate guidelines.
Santa Fe County
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities operates a Rental Assistance Program in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties, as well as some assistance in Santa Fe. In order to be eligible, you will need to have a Writ of Restitution from an eviction filing. You must also meet income guidelines and live in a rental that falls within HUD’s Fair Market Rate guidelines.
Empty Stocking Fund
The Empty Stocking Fund is organized by the Santa Fe Community Foundation. This fund provides assistance with rent, car repairs, home heating, utility bills or other basic needs. The fund is designed to provide one-time emergency assistance to those who have experienced significant financial challenges.
Holy Cross Catholic Church
The Holy Cross Catholic Church is a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. As such, they assist with utility bills, rent, food and clothing needs within their local community.
Self Help Inc.
Self Help Inc. provides emergency financial assistance and grants to residents of Los Alamos, northern Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties. They provide one-time emergency assistance grants for basic needs to 400-500 families per year. These grants can be used for rent, utilities, medicine and food.
St. Anne’s Santa Fe
St. Anne’s has a Helping Hands Ministry that can help members of their Church pay for utilities, rent, groceries or gasoline. In order to be eligible, you must live within their parish boundaries and be experiencing a financial hardship.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral offers many ministries, including the Saint Vincent de Paul Society so they should offer New Mexico rent assistance, as well as help with food, utilities, clothing and other basic needs.
The Life Link
The Life Link provides rental and utilities assistance when funds are available.
Taos County
Self Help Inc.
Self Help Inc. provides emergency financial assistance and grants to residents of Los Alamos, northern Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Taos Counties. They provide one-time emergency assistance grants for basic needs to 400-500 families per year. These grants can be used for rent, utilities, medicine and food.
St. James Episcopal Church (Taos)
St. James Episcopal Church has several outreach ministries that bless the surrounding community. They offer limited New Mexico rent assistance through The Rector’s Discretionary Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families within the Church and community who need temporary assistance. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis when assistance is available.
The Church also offers a food pantry, clothing vouchers, gas heat support, 12-step recovery programs, and CASA services.
Valencia County
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Peralta)
As a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, this location may be able to assist with rent and utilities.
Sangre de Cristo (Los Lunas)
As a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, this location may be able to assist with rent and utilities.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.