Roswell wants people to take advantage of pandemic rental assistance program

ROSWELL, N.M.- The pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for New Mexicans. With many losing their jobs, it left some questioning if they’d be able to pay for rent.

The city of Roswell is now stepping in to help.

“As the city, we just want to make sure that we’re always looking out for our citizens and if there’s something out there that can help them," Todd Wildermuth, public information officer for the city of Roswell. "In this case, with financial assistance for renters– we want to make sure they’re aware of it and that they can take advantage of it."

The new state-run program offers rental assistance during the pandemic for those who qualify.

“And anyone who think they might be able to take advantage of it can call and make an appointment with our Finance Department,” Wildermuth said.

By calling, people can meet in-person with someone and get help walking through the application process.

Isaac Baca, property manager at Spring River Apartments, said it’s something he wishes came sooner.

“Ultimately, a lot of people ended up having to find other places to live,” he said, speaking about this time last year.

Even through the pandemic, residents in Roswell are still looking for places to rent, and most apartments have up to a year-long wait list.

Baca said he’s had tenants use the program who’ve been able to stay renting because of it.

“They do figure it out pretty easily and I have worked with a couple of residents who have had actually taken advantage of those kinds of programs, and they’ve been successful in getting their rents paid,” he said.

For more information on how to apply for rental assistance in New Mexico, click here.