Opportunity Home San Antonio Receives $1.7M Federal Funds for Housing Stock

Opportunity Home San Antonio Secures $1.7 Million in Federal Funding

In a significant boost to the preservation of affordable housing, Opportunity Home San Antonio (OHSA) has secured a total of $1.7 million in federal funding, thanks to the combined efforts of U.S. congress representatives Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar.

The Details of the Funding

The federal grants, a sum of $1.7 million, will primarily focus on the preservation and improvement of existing affordable housing options in northwest San Antonio, primarily at Towering Oaks Apartments and Courtland Heights Apartments, both properties owned by Opportunity Home. Castro’s office secured half of the amount, $850,000, to specifically allocate for the maintenance, renovation, and critical repairs of these properties, identified through physical needs assessments.

The other half of the federal grants, allocated by Rep. Greg Casar’s office, is destined for San Antonio’s western side, to the Alazán-Apache Courts expansion project. This funding is a significant contribution to the reinvigoration of San Antonio’s oldest public housing community, a monumental effort orchestrated by OHSA.

Official Reactions

A number of key figures have heralded the funding as a significant and necessary boost for affordable housing initiatives. Ed Hinojosa Jr., President, and CEO of Opportunity Home, expressed his gratitude for the secured contributions. He highlighted the critical role these funds play in providing housing support to communities in need amidst the nation’s profound income-based housing shortage.

Backing affordable housing is a crucial step towards revitalizing San Antonio’s neighborhoods, according to Castro.

“Access to stable housing ensures that our community can participate in and contribute to a growing economy, and this funding will help more families be able to pursue their goals and dreams.”

Casar echoed Castro’s sentiments, adding that enhancing existing affordable housing options means driving economic development in the relevant neighborhoods. “Congress must help with rising rents and costs in San Antonio, which is why we are bringing dollars to rehabilitate Alazán-Apache Courts,” said Casar. “With this $850,000 investment toward Alazán-Apache Courts, we will make sure working families can afford to live on the west side in good housing with community services.”

The Road Ahead

The move to secure federal funds for affordable housing preservation initiatives is seen as a major push in the right direction. OHSA’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the city’s affordable housing stock, achieved through both rehabilitation of old properties and new construction, have been greatly benefited as a result.

As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, investments such as these assure residents, particularly those struggling financially, that access to affordable, quality housing remains a priority. Therefore, these funds are not just a step towards revitalizing old properties but towards strengthening the broader San Antonio community.