It is estimated that Native Americans make up over 10 percent of the population of New Mexico. With 22 tribal communities in the state, there are many Native Americans in New Mexico, and some of them may find they are experiencing financial difficulties. The good news is that there are a variety of grant and assistance programs available that they can turn to for help. The grant and assistance programs are offered through the federal and state government, as well as through nonprofit organizations. Most programs require that you meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. There are some food assistance programs that do not require any type of verification. Be sure to check the application process and eligibility requirements for each program to see if you should apply.
Housing assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans who are in need of housing assistance in the state of New Mexico may qualify for the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) program. The program is federally funded and helps people be able to find affordable housing and avoid homelessness. HUD will help with housing needs in a variety of ways, including helping to pay rent and mortgages, help people purchase a home and make repairs, and avoid foreclosure. To be eligible for the HUD programs you have to meet low income requirements, be a citizen or legal alien, and have proof of identity. To apply, you first need to call and speak with a HUD counselor, who will assess your current situation and needs.
++ Popular grants for native americans
- $5,000 Grant from the Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
- $7,500 Grant from Halstead
- $500 Grant for Artists
- $10,000 Amber Grant
- $1,500 Soroptimist Club Grant
- $10,000 Vegetarian Resource Group grant
- $5,000 Wendy’s High School Heisman Grant
- $10,000 Tylenol Future Care grant
- $5,000 Chevron grant
- $2,000 Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Energy grants for Native Americans:
Native Americans who need help paying their energy bills can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program helps those who are qualified be able to pay their heating and cooling bills by providing energy grants. Eligibility requirements for the energy grant program include having proof of identity, being a citizen or legal alien, having proof of income for the past 30 days, and having proof of heating/cooling costs. If you have a disconnect notice they will need to see that as well. Once you submit an application you will be called in for an interview about 10 days later. Within 45 days of applying you will receive a letter notifying you if you were approved for the program. You can apply for the program online or print the application and mail it in.
Food assistance for Native Americans:
The state of New Mexico offers the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for those Native Americans who are in need of food assistance. The federally-funded program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant they can use to purchase food. To qualify for the program you have to be a citizen or legal alien, have proper identification, disclose your assets and expenses, meet low income requirements, and have proof of identity. You can apply online for the SNAP program. You will be notified in 30 days if you have been approved for the program. The WIC (Women, Infant & Children) program is also offered in the state of New Mexico. Those who are approved for the program receive monthly grants to be used on specific healthy food items, such as cereal, bread, milk, grains, and produce. The program is available to Native Americans who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under. You can apply for the program at your local Tribal WIC office. Additionally, there are food banks throughout the state of New Mexico where Native Americans in need can get free hot meals and boxes of food. Use the New Mexico Association of Food Banks site to locate help in your area.
Cash grants for Native Americans:
Native Americans who need cash grants to help with living expenses may qualify for the federally-funded program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. To qualify, you have to be a resident of the state, have low income, and have children ages 18 or younger (or 19 and in high school full time). You can apply for the program online. You will have to attend an interview about 10 days after applying, and they let you know in 45 days if you have been approved.
Healthcare assistance for Native Americans:
If you are in need of healthcare assistance in the state of New Mexico you may qualify for the Medicaid Centennial Care program. It’s a program that works with the Tribal Health Clinics to meet the healthcare needs of Native Americans. Those who are approved for the program will get assistance covering the costs of receiving medical care, including covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Requirements include being low income, having proof of identity, and being a citizen or legal alien. You can apply for the program online.
Links to assistance programs for Native Americans in New Mexico:
- Community clothing bank for kids
- Free hot meals and food supplies
- Free maternity and infant clothing
- Free diapers and infant formula
- Free clothing programs
- Education grants in New Mexico
- Free medical appointment transportation
- Emergency disaster assistance
- Assistance for families in need
- Housing assistance
- Domestic violence assistance
- School supply assistance for kids