Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

Our Housing team is currently accepting inquiries regarding COVID rent relief.
Please note the required procedure below:
To inquire about eligibility for CARES Act rent assistance, please call (505) 724-4604 on Mondays between 8 am and 5 pm and leave a message clearly stating your name and phone number. A staff member will return your call throughout the week (this is a collaboration between Catholic Charities, HopeWorks, CLN Kids, and Enlace; you may receive a call back from staff at any of these organizations) with more information. Due to the high volume of calls, it may take a few days to receive a call back. We thank you for your patience. 
If you are in immediate need of emergency shelter please call 311 or 768-2000
Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides case management and rental assistance to Bernalillo County residents who are behind on rent or are experiencing homelessness.

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP), offered in Bernalillo counties, provides up to 11 months of rental assistance, case management, and life skills education. To be eligible, applicants must be currently homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless AND have a household income at or below 30% of the median income for their household size and a 3-day Notice or Writ from the Courts.

​The RAP program can provide rental assistance for past due rent and rent going forward. Program participants will meet with their case manager twice a month and develop and follow a housing stability plan. Rental units must be at or below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for its size and pass a Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection.
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WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP)?
Individuals and families that are facing eviction.
They must:
- Have a Writ of Restitution in hand. This means that the tenant has gone to court and the judge has rendered a decision to return the property to the landlord. Other circumstances including landlord choosing not to renew rent due to lack of payment will also be considered.
- Fall within HUD-established income restrictions specific to their geographic area.
- Live in an apartment or house that falls within what HUD defines as the Fair Market Rate. If their landlord is overcharging, we cannot help.
Housing Referral Process for people At risk of homelessness
For families already experiencing homelessness: referrals are handled through the Coalition to End Homelessness. Please call (505) 772-0547 (Santa Fe) or (505) 217-9570 (Albuquerque) to take the Coordinated Entry Assessment over the phone. 
For those at risk of becoming homeless: To inquire about eligibility for CARES Act rent assistance, please call (505) 724-4604 on Mondays between 8 am and 5 pm and leave a message clearly stating your name and phone number. A staff member will return your call throughout the week (this is a collaboration between Catholic Charities, HopeWorks, CLN Kids, and Enlace; you may receive a call back from staff at any of these organizations) with more information. Due to the high volume of calls, it may take a few days to receive a call back.
What about arrears or back rent?
Rental assistance can provide support for up to one year, including up to 6 months in arrears (unpaid rental payments owed to the landlord). If 6 months arrears is paid, you can only receive up to 6 months in additional rent payments. 
How to apply for the rental assistance program
Call and leave a message at (505) 724-4604 on Mondays between 8 am and 5 pm. Due to the high volume of calls, please allow up to 7 business days to return your call. 
ABQ Coordinated Resource Guide
Please click to find a list of resources at this link: https://abqcrg.org
Other options for Rental Assistance and homeless services
1217 First Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 
Monday-Thursday
Starting at 7:00 am, walk-ins only and they take the first 5 people. First come, first served. 5608 Zuni Rd SE Albuquerque, NM 87108. Tel 505 262-2481
Enroll in their homeless outreach program to receive a cadre of services PLUS the coordinated entry assessment. 1201 3rd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Tel (505) 843-9405
  • Shelters:
Joy Junction
                    4500 2nd Street SW Albuquerque, NM 87105
Westside Emergency Housing Center
                   7440 Jim McDowell NW

- HelpNM
- PNM Assistance 
OTHER HOUSING PROGRAMS:
The mission of Catholic Charities is to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need. We provide services to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, fight poverty, and build community. As the local 501(c)(3) affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, we remain dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing social challenges individuals, children and families face regardless of race, religion, color, country of origin, disabilities, gender, age, or sexual orientation.

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