Thursday, Dec 6 2012 4:50PM

Developers finished rehabilitating the Deming Mountain View affordable housing complex in New Mexico, which provides much needed housing for low-income seniors.

A $6.8 million project deal allowed YES Housing to purchase and update the apartments, which are now ready to house seniors whose incomes are at or below the 60 percent of the area median income levels, according to the Deming Headlight.

In addition, elderly residents in the complex receive rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Housing Assistance Payment Contract, the news source notes.

"The growing number of low-income senior residents in New Mexico's rural communities is a great concern to YES Housing Inc," said Chris Baca, president and CEO of Yes Housing. "Our mission is not only to improve the housing conditions by implementing green practices that promote healthy living and energy cost savings to our residents, but provide on-site supportive services that improve the lives of our families and seniors."

While affordable housing assistance projects are underway in several rural locations, many organizations are also focusing on making other aspects of homeownership, such as utilities and maintenance, more cost-effective. In some states, such as Alaska where rural residents pay significantly more for heating and electricity than urban dwellers, green projects are underway to boost energy efficiency and lower household bills.

For more information, check out this resource: The Deming Headlight