New Mexico distributes $820,000 to keep homeless residents warm

Statewide funding helps shelters expand capacity, provide essential winter supplies

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Office of Housing has distributed more than $820,000 to shelters and service providers statewide to help people experiencing homelessness stay safe and warm this winter. 

"Cold weather can be dangerous for people without stable housing across our state," said New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. "By distributing funding for winter readiness, we are helping service providers expand capacity to ensure people not only have access to warmth and safety but also connect to essential services that can help them stay off the streets for good."

Ahead of the winter season, the Office of Housing conducted a statewide survey to assess winter readiness and identify critical needs among shelters, transitional living facilities, warming centers, and domestic violence shelters. The survey gathered information on current capacity, anticipated winter demand, and supplies needed either to support existing warming centers or establish new ones.

Based on the survey results, eligible organizations were able to apply for funding of up to $20,000 to address increased winter demand. Winter Emergency Readiness Funds may be used to expand service capacity, enhance winter operations, and provide essential supplies that protect vulnerable populations. Allowable uses include:

Supplies for new or existing warming centers, such as cots, portable heating units, blankets, pillows, sleeping mats, and mattresses.

Kitchen appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, coffee makers, and other equipment needed to prepare hot meals.

Food storage improvements, such as shelving, dry storage systems, and distribution containers.

Winter clothing and cold-weather gear, including coats, gloves, hats, insulated clothing, socks, shoes, and boots for all ages.

Food purchases, including shelf-stable food, hot beverages, bottled water, and meal support items.

Hygiene supplies, such as toiletries, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, lip balm, and other personal care items.

Baby care products, including diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and other essentials for families with young children.

Applicants were required to submit a brief narrative and supporting data outlining winter-related needs, current service capacity, anticipated increases in demand for Winter 2025, and methods for tracking distribution of funded supplies and services.

The funding has already made a significant impact, particularly in rural areas, where providers reported improved building heating, increased street outreach efforts, expanded bed capacity, and the ability to offer extended overnight hours with hot meals. In several communities, partners — including substance abuse treatment providers, transitional living facilities, and domestic violence shelters—played a key role in delivering winter services. 

Catherine Hummel of the Taos Dreamtree Project noted, "This emergency support from the State of New Mexico has been critical in helping protect the community's most vulnerable neighbors during the winter months, enabling providers to expand winter services for more than 150 youth, young adults, adults, and families across northern New Mexico."

"These funds have already helped us support more than 60 families by providing winter coats, heaters, blankets, hygiene supplies, and food during a critical time," said Enlace Comunitario Director of Advancement & Operations Matt Mirarchi. "For survivors of domestic violence, especially immigrant families, access to these basic resources helps them stay safe, stable, and focused on rebuilding their lives during the winter months." 

"Project Comunidad was created to care for our neighbors in the way rural New Mexico has always done—by showing up for one another," said Project Comunidad Founder Jan Millis. "This support from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions strengthens our ability to deliver critical winter supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness across Luna County, where cold nights can be life-threatening." 

All funded activities directly support winter service delivery and benefit individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. Communities that received funding include but are not limited to Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Roswell, Carlsbad, Raton, Las Cruces, Deming, and Rio Rancho.