UPPER FRUITLAND, N.M. – It was a day of celebration as people gathered at an Upper Fruitland, New Mexico home to learn about energy efficient retrofits a homeowner received as part of the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program’s primary goal is to lower energy costs for low-income households by reducing their energy consumption, while improving their health and safety. Housing New Mexico administers the program through community-based nonprofit organizations offering statewide services.
Red Feather Development Group – one of Housing New Mexico’s many partners – facilitated the home’s energy efficient retrofits, including:
- Beneficial electrification of water heater and furnace
- Air and duct sealing
- Floor insulation
- Woodstove replacement
- Window replacement
- Continuous ventilation
“This program is vital to the health and safety of many New Mexicans,” said Housing New Mexico Chief Housing Officer Donna Maestas-De Vries. “Congratulations to Mr. Allen, whose home received these weatherization services. We are also appreciative of our valued partner – Red Feather Development Group – for making a difference in the lives of many families in the region.”
Red Feather is a nonprofit organization that partners with Native American communities to provide culturally relevant education, hands-on training and professional housing services that improve health, safety and energy efficiency. Red Feather has been a trusted ally in strengthening homes and empowering families throughout the Southwest for over three decades.
“Being able to help families on the Navajo Nation weatherize their homes is deeply meaningful to us,” said Red Feather Development Group Executive Director Joe Seidenberg. “Every home we work on represents more than a project — it’s a partnership built on trust and care. Weatherization helps make homes safer, healthier, and more comfortable, while honoring people’s connection to their homes and communities. It’s about supporting long-term well-being and preserving the places where family life and tradition thrive.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed Oct. 30, 2025, as “Weatherization Day” throughout the state of New Mexico. The proclamation may be read in its entirety on the Housing New Mexico website.
The NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program is funded by El Paso Electric, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, New Mexico Gas Company, New Mexico Health Care Authority Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, New Mexico Housing Trust Fund, PNM and the U.S. Department of Energy.
In addition to Red Feather Development, Housing New Mexico weatherization service providers include Central New Mexico Housing Corporation and Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation. Program partners include Energy Out West, National Association for State Community Services Programs and Santa Fe Community College Energy Smart Academy.
For more information about the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program and to determine eligibility, please visit the Housing New Mexico website.
Housing New Mexico, otherwise known as New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA), was created in 1975 by the New Mexico State Legislature to provide quality affordable housing opportunities for all New Mexico residents. As the state’s housing authority, Housing New Mexico uses housing bonds, tax credits and other federal, state and private resources to fund more than 40 housing programs. In addition to funding the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing and rental properties, Housing New Mexico’s programs include down payment assistance, homelessness prevention and emergency shelter, weatherization services, rental assistance and housing for people with special needs which have provided over 505,000 families with affordable housing and services since its inception.
To learn more about Housing New Mexico, visit housingnm.org.
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