Last year New Mexico ordered a statewide eviction moratorium in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. This eviction moratorium provided essential leniency to New Mexico residents for utility and rent bills while unemployment took an unforeseeable spike. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also established a federal eviction moratorium that added an extra layer of protection for renters. Both the federal and statewide moratoriums expire at the end of June, and it is unclear whether the eviction moratoriums will be extended further. For many renters, including families with children and people of color, this means potentially facing eviction unless rent debts are paid. Let's look at what we know about homelessness and housing security from before the pandemic to today.

As New Mexico residents face the end of eviction moratoriums, finding housing and utility assistance is more critical than ever. Below is a list of resources for financial assistance, legal assistance and counseling, and other services that can ease the economic toll of the pandemic and minimize the risk of eviction. 

Future Research

Further data is needed to track housing insecurity and homelessness across the state while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Community Analysis is currently collaborating with researchers from New Mexico State University and the Anna, Age Eight Institute to analyze food and housing security and access to basic services among university students, faculty, and staff. Stay posted for information about the upcoming report.