Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025

Main Points

Emergency rental assistance continues through local Emergency Solutions Grant providers and some county programs
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, but waiting lists range from 6 months to 3+ years
USDA rural home loans offer competitive rates with no down payment for eligible rural areas
LIHEAP utility assistance provides help with heating and cooling bills for qualifying households
Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 30-80% of area median income
Tribal housing programs serve the 22 tribes and pueblos across New Mexico
Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance and housing referrals.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact New Mexico Human Services Department at (800) 283-4465 for LIHEAP crisis assistance.

Need rent help now? Apply through Emergency Solutions Grant providers – contact Housing New Mexico at (505) 843-6880.

In danger? New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (505) 246-9240 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Tribal members: Contact your local tribal housing authority or Navajo Housing Authority: (928) 871-6530

Emergency Housing Assistance

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

Housing New Mexico administers Emergency Solutions Grant funding to prevent homelessness, provide emergency shelter, and help families transition to permanent housing. This program has become the primary source of emergency rental assistance since the state Emergency Rental Assistance Program ended in 2023.

What it covers:

Short and medium-term rental assistance for homeless families
Security deposits and first month’s rent
Utility deposits and payments
Moving costs and temporary storage
Case management and supportive services

Income requirements: Serves households at or below 30% of Area Median Income, with priority for extremely low-income families experiencing homelessness.

How to apply: Contact Housing New Mexico at (505) 843-6880 to find your local ESG provider. Applications are processed through designated Community Action Agencies and nonprofits in each region.

Processing time: Applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process, but funding availability varies significantly by location and season.

Reality check: ESG funding is limited and serves only those experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk. Most programs require documentation of homeless status or eviction notices. Don’t wait – apply immediately if you qualify.

Local Emergency Assistance Programs

Albuquerque Emergency Rental Assistance

The City of Albuquerque’s Health & Social Service Centers run emergency rental and utility assistance separate from the closed state program. This program helps renters facing eviction or utility shutoff.

Contact: City of Albuquerque Health & Social Service Centers – call 311 for referral to nearest location.

Bernalillo County (Outside Albuquerque)

Bernalillo County continues to operate emergency rental assistance for residents outside Albuquerque city limits. Eligible residents can receive up to $5,000 in emergency rental assistance.

Eligibility:

Reside in unincorporated Bernalillo County
Household income at or below 80% of area median income
Demonstrate financial hardship
At risk of homelessness or eviction

2-1-1 New Mexico

Call 2-1-1 or visit nm211.org for immediate referrals to emergency assistance throughout the state.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals afford rental housing in the private market. Participants typically pay 30% of their adjusted income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder up to Fair Market Rent limits.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025

Family Size	Very Low Income (50% AMI)	Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person	$24,350	$14,610
2 people	$27,850	$16,710
3 people	$31,300	$18,780
4 people	$34,750	$20,850

Note: Income limits vary significantly by county and metropolitan area. These figures represent statewide non-metropolitan averages. Check with your local Public Housing Authority for exact figures in your area.

Priority groups:

Families experiencing homelessness
Families with disabilities
Elderly households
Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

Contact your local Public Housing Authority
Complete application when waiting list opens (check current status)
Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
Complete eligibility interview and background check
Wait for voucher availability (varies by location – see reality check below)
Attend voucher briefing and receive Housing Choice Voucher
Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: According to current data from New Mexico housing authorities, waiting times vary dramatically:

Albuquerque area: 24-36 months
Santa Fe area: 18-30 months
Las Cruces: 12-24 months
Rural areas: 6-18 months

Many housing authorities periodically close their waiting lists when they become unmanageable. As of August 2025, several major housing authorities have closed lists, while some rural areas remain open.

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Santa Fe	$1,127	$1,627	$2,070	$2,506
Albuquerque	$786	$1,039	$1,391	$1,743
Las Cruces	$654	$833	$1,139	$1,443
Rural Average	$583	$933	$1,187	$1,441

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities with rent typically set at 30% of adjusted income.

Pros:

Often less expensive than Section 8 in high-cost areas
Stable housing with on-site management
Some properties offer supportive services

Cons:

Very limited locations in New Mexico
Long waiting lists (often longer than Section 8)
Less choice in neighborhoods

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

The USDA Section 502 program helps low-income families buy homes in rural areas with no down payment required. This program is particularly valuable in New Mexico given the state’s large rural areas.

Current rates: Fixed interest rates vary based on income, potentially as low as 1% with payment assistance subsidy.

Loan terms: Up to 33 years (38 years for very low-income applicants)

Eligibility requirements:

Income at or below low-income limits for the area
Unable to obtain conventional financing
Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

New Mexico USDA contacts:

State Office, Albuquerque: (505) 761-4950
Loan Specialists: Thelma DiBartolomeo (505) 761-4948, Fredrick Lucero (505) 761-4970

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

This program helps very low-income rural homeowners repair their homes.

Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years
Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old) Combined assistance: Up to $50,000 total

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills through the New Mexico Human Services Department.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

Source: New Mexico Human Services Department LIHEAP Program

Benefit Type	Regular Assistance	Crisis Assistance
Heating	Varies by need	Up to $500
Cooling	Varies by need	Up to $500

Income Eligibility

Eligibility is based on household size and gross income. Applications are accepted October 1 through August 31, as long as funds are available.

Application process:

Visit a New Mexico Human Services office or apply through YesNM Portal
Complete LIHEAP application with required documents
Attend interview within 10 days
Receive decision within 45 days

Required documents:

Photo ID for utility account holder
Social Security cards for all household members
Recent utility bills or disconnect notices
Proof of income for past 30 days for all adults

How to apply: Contact Human Services at (800) 283-4465 or visit your nearest office. For crisis assistance, bring disconnect notice or proof of low fuel supply.

Winter protection: If you qualify for LIHEAP, your utilities cannot be disconnected November 15 through March 15, provided you’re current on payments or have a payment agreement.

Additional Utility Assistance

PNM Good Neighbor Fund

Customer donations and PNM matching contributions help low-income families with electric bills November through April. Administered by Salvation Army – call (888) 342-5766.

New Mexico Gas Company HEAT Program

Helps qualifying customers pay winter heating bills. Contact Salvation Army at (505) 872-1171.

Homeownership Programs

Housing New Mexico (MFA) Programs

Housing New Mexico offers several first-time homebuyer programs:

FirstHome Program: Below-market interest rate loans for qualified first-time buyers Down Payment Assistance: Up to $25,000 in assistance (DownPaymentAdvantage program) HomeNow Program: Additional assistance for moderate-income buyers

Income requirements: Generally serve households earning up to 80% of area median income

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration loans require as little as 3.5% down payment and accept credit scores as low as 580.

VA Loans (for Veterans)

Veterans and eligible spouses can access VA loans with no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates.

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

New Mexico Family Housing Programs

Several organizations across New Mexico provide transitional housing specifically for single mothers:

Services typically include:

Safe housing for 6-24 months
Case management and goal setting
Job training and education support
Childcare assistance
Financial literacy training

Contact: Call 2-1-1 to find transitional housing programs in your area.

Domestic Violence Housing

New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24/7 Crisis Line: (505) 246-9240
National Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Safe housing options for survivors include emergency shelter, transitional housing programs, rapid rehousing assistance, and safety planning.

Domestic Violence Resource Center (Albuquerque)

24/7 Crisis Line: (505) 248-3165

Provides emergency housing, advocacy, legal assistance, and case management for domestic violence survivors.

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While New Mexico has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, the following resources provide support:

Local resources:

Contact 2-1-1 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
Equality New Mexico: Advocacy and resource referrals

National resources:

National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources

Tribal-Specific Resources

New Mexico has 22 tribes and pueblos, making tribal housing resources particularly important.

Navajo Nation Housing

Navajo Housing Authority: (928) 871-6530

Public rental housing programs
Homeownership assistance
Down payment assistance
Home repair programs

The Navajo Homeowner Assistance Fund provides up to $125,000 in combined assistance for eligible homeowners, including mortgage payment assistance up to $72,000.

Pueblo Housing Programs

Each of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos has housing programs. Contact your specific pueblo housing authority or Southwest Tribal Housing Alliance at (505) 465-1003.

HUD Indian Housing Programs

Office of Native American Programs: (800) 955-2232 Available to enrolled tribal members nationwide for housing assistance on tribal lands.

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families in New Mexico face unique challenges including vast distances, limited transportation, and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

USDA Rural Development programs: Housing loans and grants specifically for rural areas
Community Action Agencies provide outreach to remote areas
Some agencies offer transportation assistance or gas vouchers
Telehealth and virtual support services increasingly available

Transportation challenges: Contact your local Community Action Agency about:

Transportation vouchers for essential appointments
Gas cards for medical and housing-related travel
Mobile service delivery in some remote counties

Single Fathers

Single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access all the same programs described in this guide.

Additional resources:

All housing assistance programs are available regardless of gender
National At-Home Dad Network: Support groups and resources
Single Father Network: Online community and local meetups

Resources by Region

Albuquerque Metro Area

Housing Authority of the City of Albuquerque

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Public housing
Phone: (505) 764-3920

HELP New Mexico

Emergency assistance programs
Housing counseling
Address: 5101 Copper Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Santa Fe Area

Santa Fe County Housing Authority

241 Housing Choice Vouchers
VASH Program for veterans
Phone: Contact through Santa Fe County website

Las Cruces/Doña Ana County

Doña Ana County Housing Authority

Housing Choice Vouchers
Public housing
Contact HUD Albuquerque office: (505) 346-6463

Northwestern New Mexico

Farmington Housing Authority

Serves San Juan County
Section 8 and public housing programs

Southeastern New Mexico

Roswell Housing Authority

Serves Chaves County
Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long will I wait for Section 8 in New Mexico?

Current waiting times vary significantly by location:

Albuquerque: 24-36 months
Santa Fe: 18-30 months
Las Cruces: 12-24 months
Rural areas: 6-18 months
Tribal housing authorities: Varies widely, often shorter waits

Many housing authorities close their waiting lists when they become too long. Check current waiting list status before applying.

Can I get housing help if I’m working?

Yes! Most programs focus on income limits, not employment status. A single mother with two children can typically earn up to about $31,300 annually and still qualify for very low-income programs. Some programs serve families earning up to 80% of area median income.

What if I’m undocumented?

Most federal housing programs require legal immigration status. However:

Emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available
Some local programs provide help regardless of status
Tribal housing programs have different eligibility requirements
Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on available options

Can I use Section 8 anywhere in New Mexico?

Section 8 vouchers are “portable” – you can transfer them between housing authorities through the portability process. However:

You must initially receive your voucher from the housing authority where you applied
Transferring depends on the receiving housing authority having available funding
Some housing authorities limit portability during high-demand periods

What if my landlord won’t accept Section 8?

New Mexico does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse vouchers. However:

Many landlords do participate in the program
Housing authorities maintain lists of participating landlords
Housing New Mexico’s Rehab-2-Rental program offers incentives to landlords to accept vouchers

How do I qualify for USDA rural housing in New Mexico?

Much of New Mexico qualifies as rural. Check property eligibility online. USDA programs often have shorter waiting times than Section 8 and offer homeownership opportunities with no down payment.

What assistance is available on tribal lands?

New Mexico’s 22 tribes have separate housing programs:

Tribal housing authorities operate independently
HUD Indian Housing Programs provide additional assistance
Navajo Nation has extensive housing programs
Income limits and eligibility may differ from state programs

Can I combine different housing assistance programs?

Generally no for rental assistance – you can’t combine Section 8 with other rental vouchers. However, you can combine:

Section 8 or public housing with LIHEAP utility assistance
Housing assistance with SNAP food benefits
Emergency rental assistance with ongoing housing programs (in some cases)

What if I have bad credit or an eviction history?

Emergency assistance programs typically don’t check credit
Section 8 considers rental history but allows explanations
Some housing authorities work with applicants who have negative history
Tribal housing programs may have different standards
Focus on demonstrating current stability and changed circumstances

How do I appeal a housing assistance denial?

Every program has an appeals process:

You’ll receive written denial with appeal instructions
Most appeals must be filed within 10-14 days
You have the right to an informal hearing
Bring documentation supporting your case
Contact New Mexico Legal Aid for help with appeals

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams target desperate families: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8, public housing, or LIHEAP. Government programs are free.

Fake rental listings: Be especially cautious in competitive markets like Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Never send money before viewing a property.

“Guaranteed” housing assistance: No legitimate service can guarantee you’ll receive assistance or skip waiting lists.

Common Challenges in New Mexico

Geographic barriers: New Mexico’s rural nature means long distances to housing offices and limited public transportation.

Limited rental inventory: Housing shortages in growing areas like Santa Fe and Albuquerque make finding Section 8-accepting landlords difficult.

Tribal land complexities: Housing on tribal trust land involves additional legal and financing complexities.

High altitude and climate: Energy costs can be significant, making LIHEAP particularly important.

Tips for Success

Apply broadly: Submit applications to multiple housing authorities and programs simultaneously.

Maintain organized records: Keep copies of all applications, correspondence, and documents in a secure file.

Stay in contact: Call housing authorities monthly to check application status and provide updates.

Consider rural options: USDA programs often have shorter waits and may offer homeownership opportunities.

Get professional help: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287 for free assistance.

Additional Resources

New Mexico State Agencies

New Mexico Human Services Department

LIHEAP, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid applications
Phone: (800) 283-4465
Online: hsd.state.nm.us

Housing New Mexico (formerly MFA)

State housing programs and information
Phone: (505) 843-6880
Website: housingnm.org

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

General housing information
Phone: (800) 569-4287
Website: hud.gov

USDA Rural Development New Mexico

Rural housing and home repair programs
Phone: (505) 761-4950
Website: rd.usda.gov

Legal Aid

New Mexico Legal Aid

Free legal help for housing issues
Eviction defense and tenant rights
Phone: (833) 545-4357
Website: newmexicolegalaid.org

Financial Counseling

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in New Mexico Find certified housing counselors for budgeting, credit repair, and homebuyer education at HUD’s counselor directory or call (800) 569-4287.

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This New Mexico guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including New Mexico Human Services Department, Housing New Mexico, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New Mexico Human Services Department, Housing New Mexico, USDA, HUD, and tribal housing authority sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

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