San Juan County assistance programs.

Housing and rent assistance

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds is being provided to Farmington and San Juan County New Mexico to fund a variety of housing assistance programs. A good portion of the money will be used to pay for emergency rental assistance and rent money for those who are currently homeless and who need help to move into homes.

While some will be provided to the current homeless, the primary goal is to offer enough rent assistance to those who are in home or apartments now in order to prevent them from becoming homeless, according to the city of Farmington.

Contact the city, a local community action organization, or a charity such as the Salvation Army for more information on how to apply for these funds.

Federal stimulus grants for rent

Also, San Juan County Partnership will be managing almost $400,000 in federal stimulus money that will be used for housing assistance programs. The funds will be used to both prevent homelessness, and also aid people who may have lost their homes. The money can be used to meet many needs, including:

-Up to 18 months of rent can be paid.

-Grants will be provided to pay for energy bills.

-In addition, there are programs to provide money management advice and help with paying debts. Learn more.

-Money for moving costs, first months rent, and deposits.

-Case management.

 

 

 

Utility bill assistance in Farmington

The city of Farmington New Mexico is doing its part to help local families. The city has experienced a surge in the number of requests for help with paying for power bills in recent months. In response, they have contributed money to help more than 1,000 families in the area pay their bills from January through November, and they continue to provide funds today.

So far this year, the Farmington Electric Utility System has spent almost $125,000, which is an increase from $73,000 spent in the same period in 2008. A family or individual can get as much as $375 a year in utility bill assistance.

Another option is a New Mexico state program that is designed to keep utility service from being turned off during the coldest months is expected to give additional one time help and grants to more families this year. This option is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and last year, more than 70,000 New Mexico families from across the state were helped by this federal funded program. This is also an increase from last year. Contact the Farmington Electric Utility System and ask about the city assistance program.