Committee advances funding request to expand mobile-home replacement and senior home repair program

Senate Tax, Business and Transportation reported a do-pass recommendation for a funding measure that would add $2 million (nonrecurring) to expand mobile-home replacement and senior home repair services operated by the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District in partnership with the Mortgage Finance Authority.

Witnesses from the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District and MFA described a program that repairs unsafe homes for low-income seniors and in some cases replaces dilapidated mobile homes — an intervention that can cost roughly $100,000 per replacement after site work, disposal and utility reconnection. The district said it has repaired 22 homes in a year across many counties, has a wait list and faces contractor capacity constraints. The requested $2 million would replace roughly 18–20 mobile homes statewide and is intended as a nonrecurring appropriation.

Nut graf: Supporters emphasized immediate health and safety threats — lack of indoor plumbing, collapsing roofs and other substandard conditions — and the inability of seniors to afford travel for repairs; the program partners with MFA for fiscal oversight and requires contractor procurement and licensing checks before work.

Committee action The committee voted 9-0 to report the measure do-pass; legislative staff recorded no opposition in the hearing record. The Mortgage Finance Authority testified it can provide fiscal oversight; program leaders said they are ready to scale but need more contractors and funds.

Ending: The program targets vulnerable seniors living in mobile homes across multiple counties and aims to reduce homelessness and unsafe housing conditions by funding replacement where repair would displace the occupant.