Grant For Felons in New Mexico
In New Mexico, felons can access various grants to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The New Mexico Department of Corrections offers the “Reentry Grant Program”, which provides up to $1,500 to help felons secure housing, transportation, and employment. Additionally, the “New Mexico Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act” provides training and employment services to felons, with a focus on in-demand industries like healthcare and technology.
The state also offers the “Felony Diversion Program”, which provides grants to non-profit organizations that provide job training, education, and mentorship to felons. Furthermore, the “New Mexico Higher Education Department” offers financial assistance to felons pursuing higher education, with over 100 awards totaling $200,000 in 2020. These grants aim to reduce recidivism and promote self-sufficiency among New Mexico’s felon population.
What are the Govt Hardship Grants For Seniors Felons in New Mexico?
Government hardship grants for seniors and felons in New Mexico are aimed at providing financial relief for basic needs, healthcare, housing, and business opportunities. While no grants are exclusive to seniors with felony records, several general grants and programs are accessible:
1. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF offers cash assistance to low-income families, including seniors and felons, for basic needs like food and housing. Amounts range from $100 to $500 per month based on eligibility. Apply through the New Mexico Human Services Department.
2. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
CSBG helps low-income individuals, including seniors and felons, with housing, utilities, and other essential services. Funding varies by need. Contact your local Community Action Agency for more details.
3. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP assists low-income households with heating and cooling costs. Grant amounts typically range from $50 to $600. Apply through the New Mexico Human Services Department or online.
4. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 offers rental assistance for low-income households, including seniors and felons. Voucher amounts range from $400 to $1,200 per month, based on household size and region. Apply through your local Public Housing Authority.
5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments of $914 for individuals and $1,371 for couples to seniors and disabled individuals with limited income, including some felons. Apply through the Social Security Administration.
6. Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP provides free food to low-income individuals, including seniors and felons, through local food banks. The assistance varies by location. Contact local food distribution agencies for details.
7. Medicaid for Seniors and Felons
Medicaid offers free or low-cost health coverage to seniors and qualifying felons in New Mexico. The coverage depends on the medical needs but typically covers the entire cost of health services. Apply through the New Mexico Medicaid portal.
8. Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
SSBG provides flexible funding for services like housing, transportation, and childcare to seniors and felons. The amount varies based on the service. Inquire through local human services offices for application details.
What are the Educational Grants for Felons in New Mexico?
Latest Grants in USA States
What are the Medical Bill Assistance Programs for Ex-Convicted Felons in New Mexico?
Ex-convicted felons in New Mexico can access several medical bill assistance programs that provide support for healthcare services, including treatment, medications, and medical bills. Here are some key programs available:
1. Medicaid for Ex-Felons
- Overview: Medicaid is a state and federal program that offers free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals, including ex-felons who meet the eligibility criteria. The program covers a wide range of medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other factors.
- How to Apply: Apply through the New Mexico Human Services Department or online via the New Mexico Medicaid portal.
- Assistance Provided: Full coverage for medical services, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care.
2. Charity Care Programs
- Overview: Many New Mexico hospitals have charity care programs that offer reduced or no-cost medical services to low-income individuals, including ex-felons. These programs are typically available to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
- How to Apply: Contact the hospital’s billing or financial assistance department to inquire about eligibility and application processes.
- Assistance Provided: Coverage for medical expenses, including emergency care and hospitalization.
3. New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (Beehive Health Insurance)
- Overview: This state-based marketplace helps individuals, including ex-felons, access affordable health insurance. Through the exchange, you can apply for plans with financial assistance based on income.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Beehive Health Insurance website during the open enrollment period or after qualifying for a special enrollment period.
- Assistance Provided: Subsidized health insurance plans covering a range of medical services, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays.
4. Health Services for Ex-Felons through Community Health Centers
- Overview: New Mexico offers a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that provide affordable primary care services to underserved populations, including ex-felons. These centers often offer sliding scale fees based on income.
- How to Apply: Contact local FQHCs or visit the New Mexico Primary Care Association website to find the nearest health center.
- Assistance Provided: Affordable or sliding-scale medical services, including primary care, dental care, and mental health services.
5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Health Benefits
- Overview: While SNAP is primarily for food assistance, some recipients may also qualify for additional health-related benefits, like nutrition counseling, through state partnerships. Though not direct medical bill assistance, these programs can help reduce healthcare-related costs by improving overall health.
- How to Apply: Apply for SNAP benefits through the New Mexico Human Services Department.
- Assistance Provided: Nutrition-related health services, which can contribute to overall well-being and reduce future medical expenses.
6. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Assistance
- Overview: If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, certain emergency medical services (EMS) providers in New Mexico may offer financial assistance or work with you to reduce your bill. Some emergency services also have payment plans or charity care options for individuals unable to pay.
- How to Apply: Contact EMS providers directly to inquire about financial assistance options or reduced rates for ex-felons.
- Assistance Provided: Emergency medical care, ambulance services, and payment plans.
7. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Overview: If an ex-felon has a qualifying disability, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs offer financial support to cover living and medical expenses for those with long-term disabilities.
- How to Apply: Apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) either online or by visiting a local SSA office.
- Assistance Provided: Monthly payments to cover basic living and medical expenses, including Medicaid coverage.
8. Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care
- Overview: If the ex-felon is a military veteran, they may qualify for health services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes access to medical services, hospital care, and mental health treatment.
- How to Apply: Apply through the VA health care system or visit a local VA facility in New Mexico.
- Assistance Provided: Comprehensive health care for eligible veterans, including hospital stays, prescriptions, and mental health services.
What Are the Government Grants for Felons to Start a Business in New Mexico?
Government grants can be a helpful resource for felons in New Mexico looking to start a business. While there aren’t grants exclusively for individuals with felony convictions, several programs and initiatives can provide funding or support. Here’s a list of grants and resources that may be applicable:
1. New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC)
- Description: Offers free counseling and resources for entrepreneurs, including felons. While not a direct grant, the NMSBDC can guide you to grant opportunities and loan programs suitable for your business.
- Website: NMSBDC
2. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- Purpose: Provides funding to help start or expand businesses in underserved communities, including those owned by disadvantaged individuals.
- Administered By: Local New Mexico governments and municipalities.
- How to Apply: Contact your local government office to inquire about eligibility and application processes.
3. Amber Grant for Women
- For Women Entrepreneurs: Female felons in New Mexico can apply for this grant, which awards $10,000 monthly to women-owned businesses.
- Website: Amber Grant
4. Federal Grants via Grants.gov
- Description: Offers a centralized database of federal grants. While most require alignment with specific government initiatives, some may suit small business startups.
- Action Steps:
- Create a Grants.gov account.
- Search for small business-related grants.
5. New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD)
- Programs: Offers funding and tax incentives for small business development. The Collateral Assistance Program (CAP) can help felons with limited credit access financing.
- Website: NMEDD
6. First Nations Development Institute Grants
- For Native American Felons: Provides funding to Native entrepreneurs, focusing on sustainable economic growth.
- Eligibility: Must be a member of a recognized tribe.
- Website: First Nations Grants
7. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
- Eligibility: Supports startups focusing on innovative technology or research, including felon-owned businesses.
- Administered By: Federal agencies like the Department of Energy or USDA.
- Website: SBIR/STTR Programs
8. Nonprofit and Community Support
- Organizations like Goodwill Industries and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) may provide grants or low-interest loans for reentry programs and entrepreneurial efforts.
What Housing Grants are Available for Felons in New Mexico?
There are several housing assistance programs in New Mexico that felons may be eligible for, depending on their circumstances and qualifications. While there are no specific housing grants exclusively for felons, many programs provide support for low-income individuals, including those with a criminal record. Here’s an overview of available housing grants and assistance programs:
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 provides rental assistance to low-income individuals, including felons, by paying a portion of the rent directly to the landlord. The tenant is responsible for the remaining rent, with amounts ranging from $400 to $1,200 per month, depending on income and area. Apply through the local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
2. Public Housing Assistance
Public housing offers affordable rental units to low-income individuals, including felons, with rental costs typically based on 30% of the tenant’s income. Eligibility depends on the severity of the criminal record, but some felons may qualify. Apply through the local Public Housing Authority or New Mexico Housing Authority.
3. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The ESG program helps individuals at risk of homelessness by providing rental assistance, emergency shelter, and rapid rehousing services. Financial aid generally covers up to 3 months of rent or security deposits, with amounts depending on the applicant’s needs. Apply through local shelters or service providers.
4. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program
LIHTC incentivizes private developers to create affordable rental housing. Felons may qualify for these housing units if they meet income eligibility requirements. Rent is typically 30% or less of the household’s income. Search for participating housing developments on the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) website.
5. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP)
HPRP provides financial assistance to individuals at risk of homelessness, offering support for rent, utilities, and moving costs. Assistance usually covers up to 6 months, depending on the household situation. Apply through local homeless shelters or community organizations.
6. New Mexico Housing Trust Fund
This fund supports affordable housing development and preservation in New Mexico. It may provide support for housing repairs or renovations that benefit low-income individuals, including felons. Grant amounts vary by project. Apply through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA).
7. Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program
VASH combines Section 8 housing vouchers with case management services for eligible veterans, including felons. Rental assistance amounts range from $400 to $1,200 per month, depending on location and income. Apply through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the local Public Housing Authority.
8. Transitional Housing Assistance
Transitional housing programs provide temporary housing for individuals transitioning from homelessness or incarceration, including felons. These programs offer support for up to 24 months, covering rent and services like job training. Apply through local non-profits or transitional housing programs.
9. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program
The HOME program offers grants to state and local governments to fund affordable housing projects, including rental and homeownership assistance. Felons may qualify for help with down payments or rent subsidies. Apply through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA).
Conclusion
New Mexico offers a variety of grants and assistance programs aimed at supporting felons in rebuilding their lives and securing stable housing. These programs, while not always specifically targeted at felons, provide crucial financial aid for individuals seeking affordable housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. By exploring and applying for these resources, ex-convicts can access the support they need to reintegrate into society and improve their quality of life. It is essential for individuals to research eligibility requirements and connect with local agencies to make the most of these opportunities.
