United South Broadway Corporation - A Fair Housing Resource You Should Know

You may have noticed the old school building off I-25 and Avenida Cesar Chavez.

Housed inside the John Marshall Health and Social Service Center is the United South Broadway Corporation (USBC)—a vital local resource to spotlight during Fair Housing Month this April. Based in Albuquerque, USBC has supported New Mexico residents since 1986 through foreclosure prevention, legal aid, community revitalization, and anti-racism education, making it an essential partner in advancing fair housing for all.

Originally founded to revitalize Albuquerque’s historic South Broadway neighborhood, USBC has since grown into a statewide organization offering HUD-approved housing counseling, free legal services for low-income homeowners, and anti-racism training through its Anti-Racism Training Institute of the Southwest.

The organization is financed by the New Mexico Civil Legal Services Commission, the New Mexico State Bar Association, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Treasury through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration. Rooted in advocacy and equity, USBC continues strengthening communities by helping individuals stay in their homes and promoting long-term neighborhood stability.

Several 2024–25 GAAR Leadership Development Program participants visited the United South Broadway Corporation (USBC) to explore local real estate resources. The following article reflects their insights and takeaways after meeting with Debbie Norman, Program Manager at USBC.

A Lifeline for Homeowners and a Partner for REALTORS®:
United South Broadway Corporation

For nearly four decades, the United South Broadway Corporation (USBC) has quietly yet powerfully shaped the housing landscape of Albuquerque and beyond. Founded in 1986, this nonprofit organization is rooted in the heart of Albuquerque and has been a steadfast advocate for community revitalization, fair housing, foreclosure prevention, and anti-racism education. While many are familiar with USBC’s role in supporting homeowners facing foreclosure, fewer may realize the full breadth of their impact.

“Their focus is on housing, legal assistance, community revitalization, and anti-racism work,” said Nicholas Armstrong, a participant in the Leadership Development Program (LDP). “I wasn’t aware of their anti-racism arm until doing more research. It’s an awesome contribution for the program nonetheless!”

A Critical Resource in a Housing Crisis

During the 2008 mortgage crisis, USBC emerged as a crucial safety net for families on the brink of losing their homes. That mission continues today through HUD-certified housing counselors and a team of bilingual attorneys who offer free legal support to low-income homeowners facing foreclosure. Whether it's negotiating loan modifications, establishing forbearance agreements, or defending clients in court, USBC works to keep families in their homes.

“USBC provides full legal representation for those in foreclosure and does it with such heart,” said Elena Hernandez. “They focus on historic neighborhoods like Barelas, the North and South Valley, and the International District—areas that need this kind of support the most.”

“If a homeowner misses three consecutive mortgage payments, they are at risk of foreclosure,” explained Jody Anne MacGillivray. “Wouldn’t it be a game-changer if homeowners had awareness of the USBC so they could engage with a counselor and work through a plan to save their home?”

Beyond Foreclosure: Building Equity and Awareness

USBC's work extends beyond crisis intervention. Through its Anti-Racism Training Institute of the Southwest (ARTI), the organization offers workshops and long-term strategies for individuals and institutions committed to dismantling systemic racism.

“Besides legal and housing support, they offer anti-racism workshops that educate the community on systemic inequalities in housing and lending,” said Nisa Morales. “Their dedication to advocacy and awareness is truly inspiring.”

USBC also engages in financial literacy, crime prevention, youth education, and business development initiatives that together build a more resilient community.

“Their mission is built on empowering individuals to take ownership of their neighborhoods,” said Zach Martin. “USBC believes the most successful communities are those where residents engage in solving problems and creating opportunities.”

Why REALTORS® Should Know About USBC

With New Mexico REALTORS® often serving as trusted advisors to clients navigating homeownership, having USBC as a referral resource is invaluable, especially when clients may be silently struggling.

“It’s a disservice to your clients not to know about USBC,” said Armstrong. “Many clients would be too embarrassed to admit they’re having issues. Sharing this resource upfront could open a door when they’re ready.”

“The REALTOR® community has a duty to assist the general public, including those struggling to stay in their homes,” emphasized Olga C’de Baca. “USBC gives us an extra tool to fulfill that obligation.”

USBC doesn’t just provide guidance—it walks alongside people through some of their most difficult moments. As Josiah Pratt shared, the organization even stepped in to help a family in Las Vegas, NM, save a home built by their great-grandparents—preserving a legacy.

“Sometimes the Department of Workforce Solutions will even contact USBC when there’s a large staff turnover expected in a company, so they can provide support to impacted homeowners,” said Pratt.

From a Local Passion to Statewide Impact

What started as a small group of neighbors who organized to support their neighborhood has grown into a statewide organization, serving clients from Santa Fe to Las Cruces. Their office, located in a 100-year-old building on 1500 Walter SE, Suite 202, remains a symbol of their rootedness in the community.

“One person’s heart of service and passion to make a difference resulted in this incredible nonprofit,” said Vinay Rodgers. “Please share this information. Be the ambassador for housing for all.”

Whether you're a REALTOR®, homeowner, or community advocate, USBC offers something vital: hope, stability, and empowerment. Their message is clear—no one should have to face housing insecurity alone.

United South Broadway Corporation Contact Information: