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| Wilson Announces Funds for Housing Programs |
February 01, 2002 |
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Funds will be used to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income New Mexicans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced that three New Mexico governmental entities will receive more than $34 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve housing opportunities for low-income New Mexicans.
“Having a decent place to live is one of the most basic human needs,” said Wilson. “I also hope these federal funds for housing will help create and keep construction jobs in New Mexico.”
The City of Albuquerque will receive over $8 million dollars for housing rehabilitation, public facilities and improvements and public services, all of which are designed to benefit low to moderate income families. The City will also receive funding for homebuyer assistance programs, rental housing and tenant-based rental assistance, and funds to improve emergency services and shelters for the homeless.
The New Mexico Statewide Mortgage Finance Authority also will receive over $8 million and will use its funding for homeownership assistance through low-cost mortgages, down payment and closing cost assistance, and improving the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless.
The State of New Mexico will receive more than $16 million through a Community Development Block Grant for community infrastructure, housing, public service facilities, economic development and emergency planning for low to moderate income families.
Portions of the total funding come from various HUD programs designed to focus on specific community needs. The largest of these programs is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The CDBG program is the federal government’s primary program for promoting community revitalization. CDBG funds are used for a wide range of community development activities directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.
The purpose of the HOME Investment Partnership Program is to provide decent, safe, affordable housing and alleviate the problems of excessive rent burdens, homelessness, and deteriorating housing. HOME funds may be used for such activities as tenant-based rental assistance, homebuyers assistance, property acquisition, new construction, rehabilitation, site improvements, demolition, relocation and administrative costs. All assistance under this program is required to target low-income families.
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) are designed to help improve the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless and to make additional shelters available.
Housing Opportunities for People with Aids (HOPWA) is a program designed to provide housing assistance and support services for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. Funding may be used to provide housing information services, help tenants find the resources to pay for housing and utilities.
A breakdown of the funding is as follows:
City of Albuquerque:
CDBG $5,428,000
HOME $2,393,000
ESG $ 187,000
Total: $8,008,000
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority Statewide:
HOME $7,059,000
ESG $ 623,000
HOPWA $ 501,000
Total: $8,183,000
State of New Mexico:
CDGB $16,041,000
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