Homebuyer assistance is just one example of what MFA offers to New Mexicans across the housing continuum. Another program that targets existing homeowners is the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides assistance to low-income households in reducing their energy consumption, lowering costs and improving their health and safety by implementing various energy-efficient measures in their homes. MFA administers the program through community-based nonprofit organizations offering statewide services. The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Gas Company, PNM, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund and El Paso Electric. The term “weatherization” is linked to DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which was established by Congress in 1976, while “Energy$mart” is specific to New Mexico’s program. MFA has administered the Energy$mart weatherization program in the state since 1997. At its November meeting, the MFA Board of Directors approved $3.5 million in funding from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund to support solar systems for homes that are receiving NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance Program services. This first round of funding for solar will be used by the multifamily service provider, as well as the singlefamily home service provider in the Las Cruces area. Homeowners who have been on the service provider’s waiting list for weatherization services will be prioritized. The solar program will be expanded to the rest of the state as funding becomes available. The MFA Board of Directors also approved funding of approximately $4.96 million during its October meeting, supporting services in Tribal Territories as part of the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance Program. Central New Mexico Housing Corporation will serve the Pueblo Territory, all tribes and pueblos except for the Navajo Nation, while Red Feather Development Group will serve the Navajo Nation Territory. At a celebration of energy efficiency, a home that benefited from the NM Energy$mart Program was highlighted at the New Mexico Weatherization Day event in Mescalero in October 2023. One of MFA’s dedicated service providers, the Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, performed energy-efficient upgrades to the showcased home. This transformative project includes the addition of water heater and pipe insulation, energyefficient LED lighting, air sealing for drafts, lowflow showerheads, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, venting correction, an electrical upgrade and mechanical ventilation. The home also received energy-efficient windows, a door and a refrigerator. The old propane-fueled furnace was replaced with a highly efficient heat pump that uses a less expensive fuel source. In addition to weatherization, MFA offers homeowner rehabilitation services. The HOME Rehabilitation Program provides repairs to bring the home up to code or accessibility modifications for homeowners who lack the resources to do so. Services include: • Hazard reduction measures, such as the installation of ramps or rails in bathrooms for elderly or disabled individuals who are at risk of falling. • Accessibility modifications for individuals with disabilities that include the installation of handrails and ramps or widening doors. • Repair or replacement of major housing systems such as furnaces, ducting or water heaters. • General and essential property improvements that are non-luxury in nature, including roof replacement and mobile home replacement. • Measures needed to bring a home up to code or into compliance. • Energy-saving measures that help improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling of the home and reduce utility costs. • Utility connections. 20
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