SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has announced that it will receive an additional $2,052,645 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funds are earmarked to help manage cooling costs as temperatures rise, offering crucial support to 30,219 lower-income households across New Mexico, including several tribal communities in Cibola County.
This funding is part of a larger federal effort distributing $384 million nationwide under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP, a program designed to assist eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling expenses, also supports costs related to weatherization. This includes improvements like weather stripping, installing energy-efficient furnaces and water heaters, and enhancing insulation.
Among the recipients of this funding are prominent tribal communities such as the Laguna Pueblo, Navajo Nation, and Zuni Pueblo in Cibola County. These funds come at a crucial time when many in the community face the dual challenges of rising temperatures and economic uncertainty.
Kyra Ochoa, deputy secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department, expressed gratitude for the federal support: 'We are grateful to our LIHEAP team in the Income Support Division for their dedicated work on behalf of our customers, and to our federal partners for providing these additional funds. This support is vital for helping lower-income New Mexico families manage their cooling bills during the challenging summer months ahead.'
For many households in tribal areas, these funds not only mean a cooler home during hot weather but also reduced energy bills and improved living conditions. The program also extends its benefits by contracting with the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority to assist with weatherization costs, further helping to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.
Residents of Laguna Pueblo, Navajo Nation, and Zuni Pueblo who have not yet received LIHEAP benefits this year are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted online through the state's portal at www.yes.state.nm.us, and more information is available by calling HSD at 1800-283-4465.