The Emergency Rental and Utilities Assistance Program (ERAP), via the county, continues to accept applications from constituents who are renters and have been financially affected by COVID. This program can help eligible renters with covering back rent and renter’s utilities. Landlords can apply on behalf of their tenants for this program as well.
While paper applications are still an option, there is now the ability to apply for the ERAP by submitting an online application via the Neighborly software platform at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ERAP-DONAANACOUNTYNM/participant.
If you are facing housing instability because of COVID, you can call the ERAP staff at (575) 525-5898, to determine eligibility. The county’s ERAP staff, housed in the Finance Department, are the best ones to talk to about the requirements of the ERAP. The ERAP eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and applications are at https://www.donaanacounty.org/rent-utilities-assistance.
The New Mexico Finance Housing Authority (NMFHA) has programs to assist in situations of housing instability as a result of COVID as well. The NMFHA program also covers mortage payments, while the county’s program does not. More information about assistance through the NMFHA may be found at https://www.housingnm.org/static/covid-assistance and in the fact sheets below:
In early April, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized recently, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:
More information regarding this assistance can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
Doña Ana county has received CARES ACT funding for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Application forms and more information can be found below: