U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, recently said he secured $26.7 million in federal funding to help expand affordable housing and community development opportunities across San Antonio and Bexar County.

The background

Cuellar, whose Congressional District 28 includes parts of the San Antonio area and much of the Rio Grande Valley, said the new federal money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to a news release, the money is coming from the following grant programs:
  • The Community Development Block Grants program, which provides annual formula grants to local governments to develop stronger communities by boosting affordable housing options and economic development opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income people
  • The HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which aims to produce affordable rental and owner-occupied housing for low-income families
  • Emergency Solutions Grants, which direct money for homeless shelters, aid in the operation of local shelters, and provide funds related to social service and homeless prevention programs
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS, a program that extends stable and permanent housing assistance as well as supportive services to low-income people living with HIV
What they’re saying

Cuellar said the new federal funding should be a significant step forward in larger, ongoing efforts to grow affordable housing stock in San Antonio.


“This funding will allow the city and county to increase access to affordable housing units that will help support homeowners and renters alike,” Cuellar said in a statement. “This funding will also allow the city to invest in additional community development projects, spurring economic growth and improving the quality of life for all South Texans.”