Home Repair Grants in New Mexico

Who This Is For & Quick Eligibility Check

• You own and live in the home in New Mexico (your primary residence).
• Your home needs basic safety, health, accessibility, or energy repairs (roof leaks, electrical/plumbing hazards, heating/cooling issues, ramps, insulation).
• Your income is low or very low for your county and household size (see HUD’s income limits tool for exact amounts).
• You can show proof of ownership, identity, and income (award letters, pay stubs, tax return, or benefits statements).

Top Programs in New Mexico (Quick Table)

“Example max help” figures come from official program pages where available. Many awards are lower and depend on inspection, bids, and available budget.

Short Federal Snapshot (New Mexico)

• USDA 504 in rural NM: Very‑low‑income rural homeowners can apply for 1% repair loans and seniors (62+) may receive grants through the federal Section 504 program. For help, contact the USDA New Mexico office. For a plain‑language overview, see this Section 504 guide.
• Weatherization (WAP): In New Mexico, WAP is run as NM Energy$mart through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA). Use the “Where do I apply?” page to find the provider for your county. For background, see this WAP guide.
• FEMA disaster help: If your county is declared, apply through FEMA’s New Mexico updates or directly via state disaster assistance. Grants cover essential repairs and temporary housing; FEMA cannot duplicate insurance or other benefits.

New Mexico Programs (State-Level)

Housing New Mexico (MFA) – Homeowner Rehabilitation

Housing New Mexico (MFA) offers a statewide HOME Rehabilitation Program for low‑income owner‑occupants. Work focuses on health and safety, code issues, systems (heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing), roofs, and accessibility modifications. Assistance is typically a 0% deferred, forgivable loan recorded as a lien with an affordability period (up to 15 years). If you sell or transfer the home during that period, some or all may be repaid (“recapture”).

• Eligibility: Own and occupy; income generally ≤ 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). See HUD’s income limits tool for your county.
• Apply: Contact the active service provider for your area via the program page. MFA also fills gaps in eight counties via its Home Improvement Program.
• Veterans: MFA also lists a Veterans Home Rehabilitation and Modification Program aimed at accessibility and critical repairs.

NM Energy$mart Weatherization (WAP)

New Mexico’s WAP is called NM Energy$mart and provides free weatherization services (insulation, air sealing, HVAC safety and efficiency, energy‑saving devices). MFA contracts with two regional providers for most counties; Navajo Nation households are served by Red Feather.

• Find your provider on the “Where do I apply?” page (it lists each county, provider, and phone numbers).
• WAP does health/safety fixes tied to energy measures; it is common to combine with LIHEAP. If your utilities are high, ask your provider about priority categories.

Low‑Income Energy Help (LIHEAP) & HEAR Electrification

• New Mexico’s LIHEAP is administered by the state; you can apply online at the state’s LIHEAP information page, which links to the YesNM application portal. LIHEAP can also connect to weatherization through MFA.
• The state’s IRA rebates are the HEAR program, rolling out in phases. Income‑qualified households can receive rebates for certain efficient electric equipment and upgrades. Check the website for the latest eligible products and steps.

Disaster Repair & Mitigation (State Support)

After wildfires or floods, start with the state disaster assistance page to see current FEMA declarations, proof requirements, and how to document damage. For longer‑term projects like drainage, elevation, or defensible space, local governments apply for FEMA mitigation, but individuals can ask their town or county about participating in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Utility Rebates That Reduce Repair Costs

• New Mexico Gas Company insulation rebates offer up to $1,000; gas water heater rebates up to $300 (program terms and dates apply).
• PNM rebates can help with refrigerators, smart thermostats, insulation, and HVAC tune‑ups; many require a PNM Home Energy Checkup.
• In southern NM, El Paso Electric rebates focus on EV chargers and rate plans; see also EPE’s smart thermostat program.

City & County Programs

Many cities and counties offer owner‑occupied rehabilitation using federal HOME or CDBG funds. Amounts and opening dates change, and most programs have wait‑lists. Start with your city/county community development office and check program pages below.

Smaller towns may also have CDBG/HOME owner‑occupied rehab. Call City Hall or the county’s community development office and ask about “owner‑occupied housing rehabilitation.”

Income Limits & Who Usually Qualifies

Many repair programs use income limits tied to Area Median Income (AMI). Some use 80% AMI, some 50%, and some other cutoffs. Always check each program’s rules. To look up your current limits, use HUD’s Income Limits tool.

Here are examples only for a 4‑person household in New Mexico (2025 figures from official local/state pages):

• Albuquerque MSA: 80% AMI ≈ $73,100 per the city’s Housing Now income limits.
• Doña Ana (Las Cruces): 80% AMI ≈ $56,550 on MFA’s HomeNow income limits.
• San Juan (Farmington): 80% AMI ≈ $60,500 on MFA’s HomeNow income limits.

These are examples; your eligibility depends on household size, county, and the specific program’s rules. Always confirm on the linked official pages.

Special Groups & Examples

Seniors

• Check MFA’s HOME Rehabilitation Program for health/safety repairs and accessibility updates.
• If you live on a fixed income and your utility bills are high, apply to WAP via the NM Energy$mart county list.
• Need ramp/grab bars or minor modifications? Call the state Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 800‑432‑2080 and ask about home modifications in your area.

Example: A 70‑year‑old homeowner near Española with a failing furnace and poor insulation could qualify for free weatherization through the Energy$mart program, and may also pursue roof/structural fixes through MFA’s HOME Rehabilitation, depending on funding and inspection.

Veterans

• MFA lists a Veterans Rehab and Modification option for needed repairs/mods.
• For severe service‑connected disabilities, see VA’s disability housing grants (SAH/SHA) for accessibility construction.
• As background on veteran‑focused repair options, you can skim this veterans repair programs guide.

Example: A veteran homeowner in Las Cruces with mobility limits might use MFA’s veterans rehab for bathroom modifications and apply for a VA SHA grant to widen doors and add a ramp. Actual amounts depend on eligibility and bids.

Disabled Homeowners

• Ask MFA rehab providers about accessibility modifications (grab bars, ramps, door widening) on the HOME Rehabilitation page.
• If you need financing for modifications, the statewide Access Loan New Mexico program offers low‑interest loans for assistive technology and home changes.

Rural Residents

• Start with USDA 504 (1% loans; grants for seniors) and the local WAP provider via the Energy$mart contact list.
• In counties without an MFA rehab subrecipient, MFA can directly serve homeowners under the Home Improvement Program.

Families with Children / Single Parents

• For energy and safety improvements, apply to WAP via the county list and ask to be prioritized if bills are high.
• In Las Cruces, check the city’s Home Rehabilitation Program for health/safety repairs.

Step‑by‑Step Action Plan

Today (or as soon as you can)

1. Make a short list of hazards: roof leaks, unsafe wiring, no heat, soft flooring, mold/moisture, missing railings, failed septic, etc.
2. Gather documents: ID, proof of ownership (deed, title, property tax bill), income proof (benefits letter, pay stubs, tax return), utility bills, photos of damage.
3. Check your income against HUD’s Income Limits tool.

This Week

1. If you are rural and very‑low income: call the USDA NM office (505‑761‑4950) about Section 504. Seniors (62+) can ask about the grant portion. Expect a lien for loans; grants are recaptured if you sell within 3 years.
2. Apply for weatherization through the Energy$mart provider list. Ask about documentation and wait‑time.
3. In Albuquerque or Rio Rancho: note PATCH is not yet funded; meanwhile, contact Greater Albuquerque Habitat and check the city’s housing resources page.
4. In Santa Fe County (unincorporated): apply to HREE (up to $50,000) or Happy Roofs if your roof is failing.
5. In Las Cruces: submit the pre-application for the Home Rehabilitation Program.

This Month

1. If a disaster was declared in your county, register with FEMA (no duplication with insurance): see the latest FEMA NM updates and the state’s assistance page.
2. Stack savings: apply for utility rebates after health/safety work—see NM Gas insulation and PNM rebates. Keep invoices and photos for rebate submissions.
3. If you need navigation help or an interpreter, call 211 and ask for a referral to local rehab or weatherization providers.

Weatherization and rehab wait‑lists can take months. Apply early and keep your paperwork handy.

Plan B, Appeals, and Common Mistakes

Phone Scripts (Use or adapt)

1) Calling WAP/Energy$mart provider

You “Hi, I’m a homeowner in [your county]. My utility bills are high and I have [no heat/leaks/poor insulation]. I’d like to apply for Energy$mart weatherization. What documents do you need and how long is the wait‑list?” (find provider)

2) Calling a city/county rehab program

You “Hello, I live at [address]. I’m low‑income and own my home. I need help with [roof/electrical/plumbing]. Can I get the application for your owner‑occupied rehabilitation program and the current income limits?” (Example: Las Cruces Home Rehab)

3) Calling USDA Rural Development (504)

You “Hi, I’m in a rural area and need health/safety repairs. Can we do a Section 504 pre‑qualification over the phone? I’m [age 62+/under 62] with income about [amount]. What forms should I bring?” (USDA NM office)

4) Calling a nonprofit repair group

You “Hello, I own my home and have limited income. I need [ramp/roof/ADA bathroom]. Do you accept applications now, and what documents do you require?” (Try Greater ABQ Habitat programs or Rebuilding Together Sandoval County)

FAQs (New Mexico‑Specific)

Do these programs help manufactured/mobile homes?

Often yes. MFA rehab can fund roof, systems, or even mobile home replacement in some cases (see MFA’s program summary). Weatherization also serves manufactured homes via the county provider list. Always confirm your home’s eligibility and tie‑down/permanent foundation requirements.

How long are wait‑lists?

WAP wait‑lists can run months. City/county rehab opens in funding rounds and may close quickly. Check the MFA HOME page, your city website (e.g., Las Cruces), or county pages like HREE for current status.

Will there be a lien on my home?

MFA HOME rehab is a 0% deferred loan with an affordability period and recapture if you sell or transfer early (see program details). Santa Fe County HREE records an affordability lien for 5–15 years depending on the amount (HREE page). Grants like WAP generally don’t have a lien.

What if my income is a little over the limit?

Try efficiency rebates (no income test) such as PNM appliance/insulation rebates and NM Gas water heating. For electrification, check income qualifications for the state’s HEAR program. You can also ask providers if any “over‑income” funds or sliding‑scale options exist.

I was hit by wildfire/flood. Can I apply to several programs?

Yes, but you cannot be paid twice for the same damage. File insurance claims first, then apply to FEMA via the state assistance page. If you’re rural, ask USDA about 504 disaster repairs or the Rural Disaster Repair Grants. Keep every award letter and receipt to avoid duplication of benefits.

Property taxes or mortgage behind—can I still get help?

Some programs require you to be current (e.g., the future Albuquerque PATCH program). Others focus on health/safety and look at overall hardship. Call the program and explain your situation; ask if a payment plan is acceptable.

Title/heirs’ property issues?

If you inherited the home but the deed still shows a parent or grandparent, some programs may pause your application. Contact New Mexico Legal Aid for help clearing title or setting up affidavits before you apply.

Are there local nonprofits that do repairs?

Yes. In and around Albuquerque and Sandoval County, check Greater ABQ Habitat programs and Rebuilding Together Sandoval County. In Santa Fe, see Santa Fe Habitat’s repair page. Availability depends on funding and volunteer capacity.

One‑Page Checklist & Contact Summary

Quick Checklist

• List hazards and take photos (date them).
• Check income vs HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• Gather: ID, proof of ownership (deed/title/tax bill), income proof, recent utility bills.
• Apply to multiple: WAP (Energy$mart), city/county rehab, MFA HOME rehab, USDA 504 if rural/senior.
• Track: application dates, confirmation numbers, names/phones of staff, and next steps.

Key Contacts (Save these)

Resumen en español

Esta guía es para dueños de casa de bajos ingresos en Nuevo México: personas mayores, con discapacidades, padres solteros, familias rurales y veteranos. Si su casa tiene problemas de seguridad (techo con filtraciones, cableado/plomería peligrosos, calefacción o refrigeración dañada, falta de rampa), empiece por:

• Clima y energía: Solicite climatización gratuita (Weatherization) por medio de NM Energy$mart. También puede pedir ayuda con facturas de energía por LIHEAP en el portal YesNM.
• Reparaciones de salud y seguridad: Revise el programa estatal de rehabilitación de vivienda (MFA). En Santa Fe (áreas no incorporadas) existe HREE y Happy Roofs. En Las Cruces, use el Programa de Rehabilitación.
• Zonas rurales: Si vive en zona rural y tiene ingresos muy bajos, llame al USDA en Nuevo México y pida el programa 504 (préstamo al 1% y, si tiene 62+ años, posible subvención).
• Desastres: Si su condado está declarado, solicite a FEMA (vea la página estatal de asistencia por desastres). No se puede pagar dos veces por el mismo daño (seguro/FEMA/otros).
• Si necesita intérprete o no sabe por dónde empezar, llame al 211 y pida ayuda en español.

Reminder and Where to Double‑Check Information

• Check current income limits on HUD’s Income Limits tool.
• For rural 1% loans and senior grants, see USDA 504 and the USDA New Mexico office.
• For weatherization, use MFA’s Energy$mart provider list.
• For disaster repair, see the state’s disaster assistance page and FEMA’s New Mexico updates.
• For navigation help or interpreter services, call 211.

Rules, amounts, and income limits can change. Confirm details with the agency or a trusted housing counselor before you sign anything. This guide is not legal, tax, or financial advice.