Ffrom now until June 30, 2013 only, a Veterans Rental Assistance program  is available to assist with rent, utilities (both current and arrears), deposits, etc. and is exclusively for Veterans who have DD-214. The Veteran has to have a documented substance abuse issue or mental illness and substance abuse that is verified through a local BHSD Core Service Agency before they are referred to one of the three below listed rental assistance providers in those cities.
 
BHSD/HSD disbursed  a total of $32,000 to the NM Mortgage Finance Authority for them to administer through their Rental Assistance Program.  MFA has contracted with three rental assistance providers and disbursed these funds to these agencies:  Mesilla Valley Community of Hope (Las Cruces);  The Life Link (Santa Fe) and Catholic Charities (Bernalillo Co)  to disburse the funds.
 
The OptumHealth program officer for the Veterans Rental Assistance program is Mark Abeyta.  He is copied above and can be reached on his cell at 505-250-3972 for further information.