City of Albuquerque Directs $2.5 Million in CARES Funds to Communities Overlooked by Previous Funding

Dec. 1, 2020

The City of Albuquerque today announced that nearly $2.5 million in CARES Act funding will be made available for families who were previously excluded from federal stimulus aid. This fund—the CABQ Community Impact Fund—will open for applications starting Dec. 7, 2020.

“Even though the pandemic has hit them hardest, underserved communities in our City have been left to fend for themselves—until now,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Immigrants are a vital part of our economy and social fabric, and we are taking direct action to get them the assistance they need.”

The CABQ Community Impact Fund may provide emergency COVID-19 funding of up to $2,000 for families who are residents of Albuquerque, have not received a federal stimulus check, do not qualify for unemployment or paid sick leave benefits, and experienced at least 20 hours per week or more reduction of time worked, resulting in a financial hardship.

“Immigrants and minorities are essential to Albuquerque’s economy and we are committed to delivering these hardworking families and individuals the help they need,” said Synthia Jaramillo, director of the City’s Economic Development Department. “The City and Mayor Keller’s administration have stepped up to provide assistance to people who were previously denied.”

The City is working with community-based organizations to inform the public about this new funding, including El CENTRO de Igualdad Derechos, a grassroots immigrants rights and workers justice organization that works with Latino immigrant communities.

“Low-wage workers are on the frontline of the pandemic, contribute greatly, and are vital to Albuquerque’s economy. Although many workers have been recognized as essential, many New Mexico families were excluded from federal relief,” said Marian Méndez-Cera, workers’ justice organizer at El CENTRO de Igualdad Derechos. “We are heartened by Mayor Keller’s administration allocating these funds to help our underserved communities, including immigrants, and know this will help us not only weather an incredibly difficult time, but also stimulate and revitalize our economy.” 

Applications for the CABQ Community Impact Fund will be available on Dec. 7, 2020. Only one applicant per household may apply.