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In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

New Mexico is home to 22.9 million acres of public lands, including the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. (MarthaMarks/Adobe Stock)

First win-win for affordable housing, public lands

Environmentalists are applauding a Bureau of Land Management decision to allow the sale of a small national public land parcel for an affordable housi…

On a single night in 2023, about 20 of every 10,000 people in the U.S. were experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (majorosl66/AdobeStock)

Advocacy groups want NM's Governor to halt special legislative session

New Mexico advocacy groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel next week's special session where lawmakers are scheduled …

NM observes 35 years of 'National Coming Out Day'

Unlike more conservative states, New Mexico has seen prominent advances in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in recent decades; a good …

New Mexico's 2022 Housing Trust Fund provides communities such as Taos with dedicated monies for construction of affordable homes for low- and moderate-income residents. (Wiki)

Taos Gets Serious About Providing Affordable Housing

Small towns such as Taos are not immune to the nation's housing crisis - leading the rural community to launch a cooperative effort to address the cha…

New Mexico is one of only a few states to include immigrant tax filers who use their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in filing for state and federal credits and rebates. (JoshuaResnick/Adobe Stock)

NM Aims to Promote Justice with Tax Rebates for Immigrant Workers

Tax rebates can boost economic growth, and the rebates available in New Mexico this summer are designed to reverse discriminatory exclusions of …

Roughly 26% of teenagers and college students volunteer in their communities. (motortion/AdobeStock)<br />

NM Schools Use 'Real-life' Experiences to Ready Students for College, Career

A New Mexico program is offering high school students more real-world experiences to boost their interest in college and a career. Future Focused …

The New Mexico Legislature passed a bill this year to provide free IDs for individuals experiencing homelessness. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Study: New Mexico Homelessness Up Nearly 50% in 2023

Rent for New Mexicans has increased 70% since 2017, while wages have only grown by 15%, which is one factor pushing more people into homelessness…

A report based on federal data shows New Mexico's rate of homelessness is 12 individuals per 10,000 people, compared with 18 per 10,000 nationwide - lower than neighboring Colorado, also at 18 per 10,000, but higher than Texas at eight per 10,000. (M-SUR/AdobeStock)

NM Homelessness Declines, But Rural Folks Face Barriers

In the past two years, homelessness in America has risen only 1%, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - which …

The number of families with children experiencing homelessness declined by 6% between 2020 and 2022, marking a total decline of 36% since 2010, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (AdobeStock)

Report: 2022 a Mixed Bag on Homelessness as "All In" Program Launches

Volunteers will fan out across New Mexico cities this month for the annual "point-in-time" count of the unhoused, even as a new program launches …

When the 2023 legislative session convenes, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says she'll push lawmakers to ensure all public school students get free school meals. (vejaa/AdobeStock)

Post-Pandemic, Hunger in NM Still a Critical Concern for Thousands

Holiday preparations are underway, and those who battle hunger in New Mexico are urging communities to remember their neighbors at a time when food …

The expansion of tax credits and free school meals during COVID-19 temporarily lifted more than three-million children out of poverty during the latter half of 2021, according to a Child Trends report. (disha1980/AdobeStock)

Study: Lifting Children Out of Poverty Losing Momentum

A new study found progress made to reduce child poverty over the past 25 years in the U.S. is at risk of stalling or being reversed. Child poverty …

New Mexico has a statewide shortage of 32,000 affordable housing units, according to this year's survey by the New Mexico Housing Authority. (Adobe Stock)

NM Rent-Control Advocates: 'In It for the Long Haul'

Advocates for rent control in Albuquerque said they will not give up their quest for more affordable housing, despite the city council rejecting such …

Out of all affordable U.S. states, New Mexico has the least home inventory, according to the rental asset management company, Stessa. (keelymiller/Pixabay)

NM Dilemma: Affordable Housing vs. Climate Change

A shortage of housing in New Mexico's largest cities forces many to drive hundreds of miles a day for jobs, making it harder to fight climate change…

Albuquerque is the first New Mexico city to prevent property owners from screening out applicants who plan to pay their rent using Section 8 vouchers. (benefits.gov)<br />

Albuquerque Ordinance Set to End Discrimination Against Renters

A new law in Albuquerque will soon prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to people based on their source of income. The ordinance is designed to …

Experts cite a lack of affordable housing, systemic racism and inadequate safety nets as contributors to the nation's homeless crisis. (schluesseldienst/Pixabay)

Santa Fe Converts Route 66 Hotel to Affordable Housing

The conversion of a 60-year-old Santa Fe hotel should offer those seeking affordable housing, including the city's homeless community, a new lease on …

Unhoused residents who apply to live at Albuquerque's Hope Village must meet the federal definition of homelessness, have a documented mental, emotional or behavioral disorder and income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. (courtesy Hope Village)

Albuquerque Opens Center of "Hope" for Homeless Population

In the midst of the pandemic, hope was in the air as construction proceeded on a one-of-a-kind housing project to serve a portion of Albuquerque's …

Gasoline prices are higher in California than New Mexico, but drivers could pay over $5 and even $6 a gallon for unleaded during peak summer driving season, according to AAA. (Obelixlatino/Pixabay)

NM Legislature Convenes to Consider Relief for Gas, Food Prices

With the goal of providing financial relief for New Mexicans struggling with higher prices for gas and food, legislators convene today for a special …

Since the start of the pandemic, at least 30,000 immigrant families in New Mexico were excluded from stimulus rebate checks, unemployment benefits and other safety-net programs. (SomosUnPuebloUnido)

Statewide "Guaranteed Basic Income" Launches in New Mexico

In the next few days, more than 300 undocumented or mixed-immigration-status New Mexico families will begin receiving $500 monthly for the next year…

The New Mexico Supreme Court halted all evictions in March 2020, but its edict was inconsistently applied, as some courts did not follow the order, according to the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. (TierraMallorca/Pixabay)

NM Launches Eviction Prevention & Diversion Pilot Program

New Mexico is preparing to end its eviction moratorium, in effect since the start of the pandemic. At the same time, a pilot program designed to keep …

President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill would have reauthorized the expanded Child Tax Credit but is now in jeopardy after Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reversed his support. (marcinjozwiak/Pixabay)

Endangered Tax Credit Impacts Thousands of New Mexico Children

Expansion of the Child Tax Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge difference for many New Mexico families, but payments will not resume …

Recent research shows the mentally ill and drug addicted account for only about one quarter of the homeless population, while families with children make up one third and are the fastest-growing segment. (vinsky2002/Pixabay)

NM Eviction Moratorium to End, Homelessness Spike Worrisome

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Tents and sleeping bags not only make living on the streets more bearable this time of year, they can often mean the difference …

Las Cruces' Camp Hope provides temporary, transitional shelter in the form of tents, showers and cooking facilities while people experiencing homelessness transition to permanent housing. (nmcommunityofhope.org)

Desert Hope: A Las Cruces Option for People Who've Been Homeless

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - A new apartment complex built to serve people who've been chronically unhoused in Las Cruces was three-quarters full when it …

More than 3 million adults nationwide are at risk of eviction in the next two months, after a federal eviction moratorium expires tomorrow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. (HeatherPaque/Pixabay)<br />

New Mexicans Dodge Imminent Evictions Faced by Many U.S. Renters

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Millions of Americans soon could find eviction notices on their front doors, but New Mexico renters will not be among them - as …

New Mexico had a 45% improvement in children without health insurance in 2019, compared with the previous year, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (darkside-550/Pixabay)

NM Notes Marked Improvements in Child Well-Being Report

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A New Mexico child-advocate group is expressing cautious optimism about incremental improvements in the latest Kids Count report…

When the pandemic-related federal eviction moratorium expires at the end of next month, renters will need to provide a written statement to their landlord to receive additional protections. (aga2rk/Pixabay)

NM Renters Get Eviction Reprieve, But Filing Paperwork is Key

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Since the pandemic began, thousands of Americans haven't been able to afford rent - creating fear among those facing evictions …

In 2019, 8.4% of New Mexico youths in grades 9-12 slept away from their homes because they were kicked out, ran away or were abandoned, according to the New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey. (sdyouthservices.org)

Northern New Mexico Makes Inroads to Solve Generational Homelessness

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Family and economic problems combined with residential instability are often the cause of homelessness among youths. But in …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Mexico is among the top 10 states with the highest percentage of people facing eviction because of the pandemic. (sos.state.nm.us)

NM Lawmakers Tackle Gaps in Housing Laws to Reduce Evictions

SANTA FE, N.M. - During the 2021 session, New Mexico lawmakers are expected to focus heavily on pandemic relief - including a bill that would …

People experiencing homelessness may have histories of trauma, including sexual, psychological or physical abuse. (ArtTower/Pixabay)

NM Homeless Shelters Face Cash Crunch As Pandemic Continues

SANTA FE, N.M. - As families cope with unemployment, pay cuts and the threat of eviction because of the coronavirus, state homeless agencies say …

As temperature drop, homeless shelters struggle to accommodate those in need of shelter while also social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (quinntheislander/Pixabay)

Albuquerque Battles COVID Outbreak at City's Largest Homeless Shelter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Albuquerque's largest homeless shelter recently was forced to stop accepting new clients after a serious COVID-19 outbreak…

New Mexico's governor has announced that business restrictions and the state's face-covering mandate will remain in place at least through August. (Alexandra_Koch/Pixabay)

Santa Fe Homeless Shelters Cooperate to Fight COVID-19

SANTA FE, N.M. - The novel coronavirus pandemic has shown no let-up, but service providers who work with Santa Fe's homeless population are reporting …

When it comes to people experiencing chronic homelessness, New Mexico consistently ranks among the top U.S. states, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (direct relief.org)

COVID-19: Sleeping Bags, Tents Sought for New Mexico Homeless

SANTA FE, N.M. -- There's no way to know how many people are experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus pandemic, but New Mexico's homeless …

A lack of access to food, shelter and basic hygiene by those experiencing homelessness make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. (Leroy_Skalstad/Pixabay)

NM Homeless Shelters Seeking Help During Coronavirus Pandemic

SANTA FE, N.M -- New Mexico's homeless advocates say local communities, with help from the state government, need to make arrangements to house those …

A new analysis shows $61.3 million per year over two years and a one-time investment of $48 million in state capital outlay funds to build permanent supportive housing could solve homelessness in New Mexico. (fantareis/Pixabay)

New Proposal Aims to Solve Homelessness in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Service providers in New Mexico say homelessness is a solvable problem, but only if lawmakers step up funding for two evidence-…

At least 17,000 people experience homelessness in New Mexico in the course of a year, according to New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. (missionlocal.org)

New Mexico Homeless Shelters Filling Up Quickly

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The homelessness crisis across the country is largely blamed on a lack of affordable housing, and New Mexico is no …

Unaccompanied youth who don't have a safe place to live are 10 to 30 times more likely to be victims of crime and become drug users, according to the National Network for Youth. (NM Coalition to End Homelessness)

NM Begins Program to Combat Youth Homelessness

SANTA FE, N.M. – An ambitious program to locate and house homeless young people in northern New Mexico starts this month with money from a …

The number of New Mexico homeless families with children increased 5.2 percent in 2018. (liberationnews.org)

Broad Effort, Funding Needed to Tackle NM Chronic Homelessness

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Homelessness has been on the rise in New Mexico over the past two years, and efforts to turn that around will receive …

New data form the Eviction Lab project shows an average of six people in Albuquerque were evicted every day in 2016. (nonprofitquarterly.org

New Data Shows Albuquerque Evictions Higher Than U.S. Average

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New data from the Eviction Lab project shows that most evictions occur in the south and southeast portions of the United …

New Mexico is one of 20 states that has seen an increase in its homeless population in 2017. (abqhch.org)

NM's Increase in Homelessness: Aberration or Trend?

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Groups in New Mexico that advocate for people who are homeless hope the state's increase in homelessness this year is a one-time …

Albuquerque's plan to put panhandlers to work has gone global after the Mayor's TED Talk captured more than 600,000 viewers in less than a month. (City of Albuquerque)

Albuquerque Mayor's TED Talk on Homelessness Nets Half-Million Viewers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Since mid-August, more than 600,000 viewers have watched Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry on YouTube, promoting the city's …

A new report ranks New Mexico 49th in the nation for children's well-being, and family advocates are working to determine how to improve that. (Pixabay/Creative Commons)

Report: NM Ranks 49th in Nation for Children's Well-Being

ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – New Mexico is second to last among states in rankings for children's well-being just out today. The Annie E. Casey …

The new KIDS COUNT report notes plenty to be cautious about for New Mexico families, including the highest child poverty rate among the 50 states. (Pixabay)

Report: New Mexico Has Highest Rate of Child Poverty

SANTA FE, N.M. - Despite gains in other areas, New Mexico children are ranked last among the 50 states for their high poverty rate, according to the …

Many New Mexico food stamp recipients will have to find jobs in order to keep their benefits, under new state regulations. (Wikimedia Commons)

New Year Brings Work Requirements for NM Food Assistance

SANTA FE, N.M. - New regulations for the new year now require many of New Mexico's food stamp recipients to find work in order to keep their benefits…

PHOTO: Advocates say the state of New Mexico's effort to expand work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could end benefits for tens of thousands of people. Photo courtesy of the Southwest Organizing Project.

Proposed SNAP Changes in New Mexico Draw Opposition

SANTA FE, N.M. - The state of New Mexico Human Services Department is proposing changes to the work rules of the federally funded Supplemental …

PHOTO: Two Albuquerque police officers involved the fatal shooting of a homeless man are facing possible murder charges.<br />Photo credit: Dick Elbers/Wikimedia Commons.

Albuquerque Police May Face Murder Charges in Homeless Man's Death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg is pursuing murder charges against two Albuquerque police officers in the …

PHOTO: President Obama is expected to announce cuts to Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance premiums during his speech in neighboring Arizona today. Photo courtesy of the White House.

Obama's AZ Speech Could Impact NM Housing Market

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M - President Obama's speech to be delivered in neighboring Arizona today could result in home ownership being expanded for people in …

PHOTO: A new report shows nearly half of New Mexico households are financially insecure. Photo credit: U-S Army.

Report: Nearly Half Of NM Households "Financially Insecure"

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Nearly half of New Mexico households are living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no financial safety net. That's according to …

PHOTO: The alarm bell has been sounded in New Mexico on legislation making its way through Congress. It could roll back a new 3 percent limit for

Congress: Rolling Back Home-Buyers' Protections?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – This year, many New Mexico homeowners are thankful for signs of a recovering housing market. But legislation in Congress …

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NM: Housing/Homelessness