Rep. Gabe Vasquez Fights to Protect Affordable Housing for New Mexicans

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) is pushing back against dangerous cuts that could make it even harder for New Mexicans to find affordable housing. He is urging the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to stop plans that would lay off workers and slash funding for key housing programs.

“When so many families, seniors, and veterans are struggling to find an affordable place to live, these proposed cuts are just plain wrong,” said Vasquez. “Instead of making it harder for people to keep a roof over their heads, we should be working to lower housing costs and expand access to safe, stable homes.”

In his letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Vasquez warned that the proposed cuts would hurt New Mexicans in several ways:

• Help for Renters: HUD provides rental assistance for thousands of low-income families. Cutting funding could mean longer wait times or even losing support for those who rely on it to stay housed.
• Resources for Tribal Communities: Many Tribal communities in New Mexico depend on HUD programs for housing support. Slashing funding could leave families without safe and affordable homes.
• Disaster Recovery: New Mexico has been hit hard by wildfires in recent years. HUD funding helps communities rebuild, and staffing cuts could delay critical assistance when people need it most.
• Homelessness: New Mexico already has one of the fastest-growing homelessness rates in the country. Freezing funding for key programs would make it harder for shelters and housing programs to help those in need.
• Housing Costs: The administration is also considering new tariffs on materials like lumber, which would drive up construction costs and make homes even more expensive to build.

Vasquez has been working closely with local housing advocates, service providers, and organizations to find real solutions to the housing crisis.

“I’ve spoken directly with housing providers in my district, and they all say the same thing: We need more support, not less,” Vasquez added. “These cuts would push more families into homelessness and make it harder for our communities to recover from disasters. That’s unacceptable.”

Local advocates agree.

“Stripping housing programs of essential resources will harm not only those facing homelessness but also our communities and state as a whole,” said Natasha, CEO of Catholic Charities. “HUD is a major contributor to our housing programs; reductions in HUD funding would have a severe impact on the unhoused and precariously housed population, such as survivors of domestic violence, youth, and families with children. Without this support, families in these programs risk immediate return to homelessness and lose access to critical services such as case management. We thank Congressman Vasquez for his leadership and we urge HUD leadership to uphold its mission and invest in ‘strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.’”

"Cuts to HUD staffing and funding would have devastating consequences for New Mexicans experiencing homelessness—including youth, veterans, individuals, and families. With homelessness on the rise, we must strengthen, not weaken, lifesaving services,” said Monet Siler, Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. “We know firsthand that staffing and funding shortages will delay contracts, force thousands back into homelessness, and impact crucial services throughout New Mexico. The Coalition calls on the administration to preserve HUD funding and staffing to prevent widespread displacement and ensure stable housing for New Mexicans in need."

Rep. Vasquez is calling on HUD to reverse course and instead focus on bipartisan solutions to make housing more affordable and accessible for all New Mexicans. He has asked the agency for an immediate response on how they plan to protect families from these harmful cuts.

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