Do you know a student who doesn’t have a stable place to live? New Mexico is investing $7.8 million to expand a school-based initiative this school year to help families facing housing instability remain in their homes and prevent students from missing school, according to KOAT.
Combined with the $4.85 million the state invested last year, this brings the total funding for the program to more than $12.6 million, the news outlet reported.
The Department of Workforce Solutions oversees the Family Stabilization program, which continues to serve public schools in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe. This year, the program will be available in all four school districts in San Juan County: Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, and Central Consolidated, per KOAT.
Advertisement
The pilot program reached 487 families and 1,240 students across the three original districts during the 2025-26 school year.
If your family is struggling with housing instability, the program can help cover rent, utility bills, car repairs, and other emergency expenses. KOAT reported that each district tailors its assistance to meet local needs. Some districts also pair financial aid with case management and personalized support.
According to KOAT, the state is expanding the program to San Juan County because housing instability affects 8% of its student population. That’s nearly double the rate in Albuquerque Public Schools, where the figure stands at almost 4%.
The four new districts plan to help a total of 209 families. Farmington and Central Consolidated each received $750,000, while Bloomfield received $400,000, and Aztec received $300,000.
What’s Next
Forrest Verde Dudek, a senior project manager with the Office of Housing, told KOAT that if your family is facing housing instability or eviction, you can contact your school district’s homeless education liaison for resources and support. You can also share this information with others who may need help.
Why It Matters
Housing instability can affect a student’s education, making it harder for them to attend school regularly. The Family Stabilization program helps families cover urgent expenses. Its expansion to San Juan County will make this support available to more families in need.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One's news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from KOAT's reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
