Commission reauthorizes $500,000 for Family Promise transitional housing purchase

The Board of County Commissioners reauthorized $500,000 in one-time county funding to support Family Promise of Albuquerque’s purchase of two triplexes for transitional housing, approving the administrative resolution and authorizing the county manager to execute the necessary agreements.

The nut graf: Director Marcos Gonzalez described the funding as part of an expanded county toolbox to support nonprofits in acquiring property for shelter and transitional housing under the state’s affordable housing statutes. Family Promise has operated local shelter and case-management programs and raised private funds; the county’s authorization matches $500,000 the nonprofit raised and will help close the capital stack primarily to acquire 314–316 Tennessee St. NE for shelter, transitional units and a daycare.

Gonzalez said county counsel and bond counsel developed procurement and grant mechanics that align with the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority rules; staff added language to the resolution so the application meets Housing New Mexico’s requirements. Family Promise board members and volunteers described longstanding congregational partnerships and the organization’s outcomes — staff said Family Promise achieves a high rate of exits to permanent housing.

Vice Chair Barboa and other commissioners praised the nonprofit’s fundraising and the county’s role as a catalytic funder. Commissioners approved the resolution by voice vote; staff said the county’s authorization will allow closing if the other financing pieces come together.