PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)

CSBG is a federal, anti-poverty block grant administered by the States Human Services Department which provides funding to local agencies to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and to empower low-income families to become self-sufficient.  

Mid-West New Mexico CAP receives CSBG funding from the NM States Human Services Department to provide services in Catron, Cibola, McKinley, Socorro and Valencia counties. The majority of our “Direct Care” funds are used to purchase food.  We are conducting weekly food distributions in Socorro and monthly distributions in Valencia and Cibola Counties.  While funding is somewhat limited; we are able to leverage these funds with other community resources. Our community partners include the Roadrunner Food Bank, Shamrock Foods Smith’s, Albertson’s, Wal-Mart and John Brooks. 

Limited funding is also available to assist with past due rent or mortgage payments and utilities. 

To qualify for services individuals and families must meet eligibility guidelines. Applicants must have an income less than 200% of federal poverty level.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

EFSP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.

Mid-West New Mexico CAP has been awarded grants to provide services in Catron, Cibola, Valencia and Socorro County.  Program funds are used to provide the following, as determined by the Local Board in funded jurisdictions: 

• Food, in the form of groceries. 
• One month's rent or mortgage payment. 
• One month's utility bill. 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP

LIHEAP assists eligible persons and families with their heating and cooling costs. Applications can be filed at either the local Human Services Department Office or Mid-West NM CAP.  LIHEAP offers once per year financial assistance to qualifying low-income households who require support in paying their home heating or cooling bills. Applicants must have an income less than 150% of federal poverty level. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funding assistance to low-income households, targeting those who are truly vulnerable: the disabled, elderly, and families with preschool-age children.

Mid-West New Mexico CAP assists eligible individual in completing LIHEAP applications.  Once eligibility is determined and certified, applications are forwarded to the NM State Human Services Department where payments to vendors are generated.

• A valid ID for everyone in your household (photo copies are accepted). For adults, a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is needed. For children, identification can include their birth certificate, immunization records, a school ID, or insurance card. Proof of income for 30 days for all household members.

PNM Good Neighbor Fund

The PNM Good Neighbor Fund is an emergency assistance fund. For PNM customers facing an unexpected financial hardship due to an emergency situation, a Good Neighbor Fund grant may be able to help cover part or all of a past-due PNM bill.

All applicants must be income-eligible and be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level. To qualify for a PNM Good Neighbor Fund grant, the applicant must be past due and qualify through the income guidelines.   

Mid-West New Mexico CAP assists eligible individual in completing Good Neighbor fund applications.  Once eligibility is determined and certified, applications are forwarded to PNM Low Income Program for further processing and payment.

HEAT New Mexico

HEAT New Mexico, the charitable heating assistance fund sponsored by New Mexico Gas Company, helps income-qualifying New Mexicans pay their heating bills each winter. Applications are accepted once per year.  When you apply for services, you will need to bring: 

Mid-West New Mexico CAP assists eligible individual in completing HEAT NM applications.  Once eligibility is determined and certified, applications are forwarded to the New Mexico Gas Company for further processing and payment.

• A valid ID for everyone in your household (photo copies are accepted). For adults, a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is needed. For children, identification can include their birth certificate, immunization records, a school ID, or insurance card. Proof of income for l30 days for all household members.