Building Stability, Equity, and Opportunity for All:
Tackling New Mexico’s Housing Supply Shortage
New Mexico faces a housing crisis that affects individuals and families across all demographics. With one of the highest homelessness rates in the nation, thousands—including youth, veterans, and Indigenous people—lack safe, stable housing. At the same time, rising housing costs and stagnant wages have left over 40% of renters cost-burdened, disproportionately impacting communities of color, single parents, and rural residents.
This instability hinders generational wealth-building, deepens health and economic disparities, and traps families in cycles of poverty. The shortage of affordable housing, workforce housing for essential employees, and culturally responsive solutions only exacerbates these challenges, particularly for diverse populations like tribal communities, immigrants, and multigenerational households.
Addressing this crisis requires bold, long-term strategies that not only provide immediate relief but also create pathways to homeownership, expand affordable housing, and stabilize families. By investing in solutions that meet the diverse needs of all New Mexicans, we can break cycles of poverty, foster equity, and ensure every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
Working to decrease homelessness, increase housing availability, and lower housing costs for all New Mexicans, regardless of income.
Who our team is and why it matters to us
Jeremy Barker
Housing Stability Coordinator Jeremy Barker was born and raised in Mineral Wells, Texas. He enjoys playing and writing music, and he used to be a concert promoter and booking agent. After many years of personal struggles and searching for direction, he decided to pursue a career where he could help others. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas – Permian Basin, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2021. His plan was to continue schooling and become a licensed counselor, but not long after relocating to New Mexico, he was given the opportunity to help people in a different way – by redesigning and coordinating our Housing Stability Program. The program provides employment services and resource referrals to clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With a recognition of the importance of humanity’s inherent interdependence, he’s found this work to be very rewarding. Jeremy strongly believes that communities are strengthened through inclusion and mutual support, and that community membership extends to all individuals, regardless of housing status. He is guided by the principle that every person deserves respect, dignity, compassion, and a safe place to rest.
Forrest Verde Dudek
Forrest Verde Dudek has dedicated the past 15 years to working with youth, and their families, experiencing homelessness in New Mexico. In that time, Forrest has designed and implemented project responses to community housing needs for the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, New Mexico Public Education Department, and the State of New Mexico’s Office of Housing. Forrest has worked actively with lawmakers, nonprofit leaders, community activists, and individuals with lived experience to collaborate and establish innovative programming. Forrest is also a devoted father of four and a former pre-school teacher.
Roslynn Gallegos
Roslynn Gallegos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker born and raised in Cuba, New Mexico. She is a proud mother dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing of the communities she serves. She earned a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in 2014. Throughout her career, she has supported young people and families through work in corrections, public schools, and community-based organizations. She has also served as an advocate for victims of human trafficking. Roslynn believes that our communities are the source of our collective strength and that caring for one another includes ensuring people experiencing homelessness are met with dignity, compassion, and meaningful support.
Lisa Huval
Lisa has led policy, programmatic and funding initiatives related to affordable housing and homelessness for twenty years. She has held leadership positions both in the nonprofit and government sectors and believes strong collaboration between these two sectors is necessary to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. Lisa has helped build and strengthen all parts of the housing spectrum in New Mexico, from creating permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness to funding affordable rental housing developments to building mixed income for-sale residential communities. With a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning, Lisa is a strong facilitator and consensus-builder, with demonstrated success in bringing people together to effectively address difficult issues.
Gabriel Quiroz
Workforce Development Specialist Gabriel Quiroz was born in Monterrey, Mexico and grew up in Texas before making Albuquerque home in 2023. Drawn to understanding how systems affect the people most left behind, Gabriel pursued his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at The University of Texas at Arlington with one goal in mind, advocating for at-risk communities and those who often fall through the cracks. Before joining the team, Gabriel built his expertise across roles in disaster services, treatment foster care, and public health nutrition, always centered on connecting vulnerable populations to the resources they need. Fluent in Spanish, he brings cultural understanding and genuine compassion to every client interaction, and believes that every person, regardless of their circumstances or background, deserve dignity, respect, and a pathway to stability.
Evan Sanchez
Evan Sanchez is a Senior Business Operations Specialist who collaborates with constituents and team members to support programs that strengthen the community. His work includes connecting individuals to employment opportunities, addressing labor relations issues, and providing fiscal, legislative, and daily planning support to the Office of the Secretary. Evan previously served in the Governor’s Office under the Chief Operations Officer and began his state service during the pandemic as an Executive Assistant, supporting the hiring and coordination of contact tracers. He is excited to support the Office of Housing and looks forward to helping expand access to housing and long-term assistance for the community.
Maria Wolfe
Maria Wolfe is the Manager of Homeless Initiatives. Formerly the Homeless Innovations Officer for the City of Albuquerque and the Public Safety ECHO Coordinator, she builds multi-disciplinary solutions and partnerships to address the needs and challenges of people who are unhoused. Her background includes public, private, non-profit and education experience.
State of New Mexico | Office of Housing and Community Unification