Few things seem cozier than a warm home on a blustery winter’s day. Unfortunately, a cozy home is not a guarantee for New Mexicans living below the poverty line, who on average pay 15% of their annual income on energy bills.
Disproportionally, the burden of the climate crisis falls upon the resource-poor. Without means to move or upgrade their homes, low-income New Mexicans face the brunt of a less predictable atmosphere and more severe weather. Burdened by increasing energy costs and aging homes, these individuals often become trapped in a cycle of debt and insecurity.
In the 2022 legislative session, your support helped CVNM and our partners pass the CEED (Community Energy Efficiency Development) Grant Fund. CEED is a block grant designed to alleviate the burden that low-income households face when it comes to their energy expenses. This is accomplished by providing money to local and Tribal governments and the Mortgage Finance Authority. Then, in partnership with local community organizations and institutions, individuals can apply to receive benefits such as updated appliances and home retrofits.
The CEED Grant Fund allows folks to alleviate their energy burden and use those cost savings to build equity. Homeownership is the number one way families can build intergenerational wealth; addressing inequity is one of the most powerful tools in addressing climate change.
Applications are relatively simple. For details and to see whether you or family and friends might qualify, check out the program (entitled NM Energy Smart Weatherization Program), at housingnm.org. Follow up by learning which of the two program districts you live in. For the northern district, find the application here, and for the southern district, email your interest to veronika@swnm.org.
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity if you’re eligible, and help others become aware of the program and apply.
Thank you for all you did to help pass the CEED Act to benefit low-income New Mexicans and help address the root causes of climate change.
Please stay tuned for ways you can engage in this year’s legislative policy discussions and continue to make a difference for New Mexico.
