Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

San Antonio Advances Affordable Housing Initiatives

Families enjoying community spaces in San Antonio's new affordable housing project.

News Summary

San Antonio is making significant strides towards affordable housing with the groundbreaking of two new projects: The Commons at Acequia Trails and The Baltazar. These developments aim to provide permanent supportive housing for vulnerable communities, alongside essential services like healthcare and job readiness programs. Additionally, Bethel A.M.E. Church is working on a project for senior housing to address the growing needs of the elderly population. Together, these initiatives represent a major commitment to enhancing affordable housing options in the city.

San Antonio Takes Big Steps for Affordable Housing!

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as city leaders prepare to break ground on two fantastic affordable housing projects aimed at uplifting our most vulnerable communities. This is a major leap toward giving a helping hand to those in need!

The Commons at Acequia Trails

This Wednesday marks a significant day for San Antonio, where the ground-breaking ceremony for the Commons at Acequia Trails will take place. This exciting project is set to become the second Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) community in the city, bringing over 200 PSH units to District 3, located on the southeast side of San Antonio. It’s not just about providing roofs over heads; it’s about building a nurturing environment for those experiencing chronic homelessness.

One standout feature of this project is its impressive 10,000 square-foot Supportive Services Center. This center isn’t just walls; it’s a lifeline. It will offer essential services such as healthcare, job readiness programs, and wellness activities tailored for individuals and families navigating the challenges of homelessness. These services are a part of the city’s strategic plan to establish 1,000 PSH units over the next decade. Talk about planning for a brighter future!

This endeavor is backed by the voter-approved Affordable Housing Bond and showcases a strong collaboration between the city, SAMMinistries, the Vecino Group, and the San Antonio Housing Trust. With the community rallying together, this initiative sets the stage for progressive changes in affordable housing.

The Baltazar: A New Community Gem

The Baltazar has already opened its doors with great fanfare on the Northwest Side of San Antonio. This $20.4 million mixed-income apartment community consists of 60 units, offering a variety of one to three-bedroom floor plans suitable for residents earning between 30% to 60% of the area median income (AMI). A special nod goes to the households at 30% AMI, as 10% of the units are set aside for them, ensuring more families can find a place to call home.

Funding for this splendid development came from various sources, including a remarkable $15 million affordable housing tax credit awarded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs back in 2021. A heartwarming detail? The Baltazar is named after Baltazar Serna Sr., paying tribute to his invaluable contributions as a supportive community member and entrepreneur.

The community is buzzing with activity, as demonstrated by the fact that it is already fully leased! The demand for affordable housing is clearly high, and why not? Residents can enjoy various amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, children’s playscape, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a cozy community room—perfect for gatherings or just relaxing!

Located conveniently close to schools, major employers, and healthcare services, residents will find that accessibility is a priority here. To top it off, Community Housing Resources (CHR) plans to partner with The Baltazar, bringing extra services like health screenings, ESL classes, and after-school programs. This partnership represents a community effort to uplift everyone in San Antonio.

A New Hope for Seniors

The San Antonio Housing Trust has kicked off funding of $25,500 for Bethel A.M.E. Church to conduct a feasibility study on this innovative housing project. Especially given the recent spikes in the local real estate market – where the median market value of homes skyrocketed from approximately $34,740 in 2014 to a staggering $190,000 in 2024 – initiatives like this are not just helpful; they are necessary!

Other churches throughout the city are waking up to the need for affordable housing too, as many explore similar projects to better utilize their land assets and serve the community.

Conclusion

San Antonio is truly stepping up in the face of a growing housing crisis. With multiple projects in progress to ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to low- and moderate-income families, the future looks bright! It’s all about building a supportive, inclusive community where everyone has a place to thrive.