NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — A program aiming to increase affordable housing is coming to the Land of Enchantment. Housing New Mexico has partnered with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to launch "Rehab-2-Rental." The board of directors for Housing New Mexico approved the Notice of Funding Availability for $656,000 at a February meeting. One major goal is to create higher-quality home options for tenants using housing-based vouchers, such as Section 8 and Linkages, as well as municipal and county rental assistance. The program offers forgivable loans of up to $25,000 per unit to landlords either leasing or agreeing to lease their properties to housing voucher holders. Housing New Mexico says these loans will help with necessary improvements to the rental units. Albuquerque mayor files complaint against city council over AFR staffing ordinance “Whether it’s single-family homes or rental properties, New Mexico is in great need of affordable housing for its residents,” Housing New Mexico Executive Director and CEO Isidoro Hernandez said in a news release on Tuesday. “This program is a win-win in that it will help landlords with funding to bring rentals up to standards and will provide more opportunities for affordable housing in the state.” Housing partners are currently being invited to submit applications to become service providers. Those service providers will work with public housing authorities and other governmental agencies offering vouchers to submit house rehabilitation projects for private landlords. Eligible applicants should have experience and knowledge of housing assistance and property rehabilitation, including: Non-profit organizations For-profit organizations Public housing authorities Regional housing authorities Tribal governments Tribal housing agencies Applications are welcome to join a webinar on Wednesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. More information can be found online. ...read more read less