The city of San Antonio and Opportunity Home, San Antonio’s public housing authority, have separately launched two initiatives that are designed to aid eligible local residents with housing assistance.
City of San Antonio
The city began accepting new rental assistance applications during a period between May 15 and June 5.
City officials said, during this application period, eligible applicants living in San Antonio are eligible to receive up to three consecutive months of rental assistance and utilities assistance.
Local officials said the total amount of funds that will be provided to a household will be $3,500 maximum for rental assistance and $1,500 maximum for utility assistance.
A news release states applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, prioritizing families facing evictions.
Among other things, applicants must provide proof of San Antonio residency, household income at or below 80% of the area median income, and W-9 from the property manager or owner, the release states.
Bexar County residents may also apply, but approved rental assistance will be extended depending on availability of county funding.
Additionally, among other requirements, applicants must provide documentation of a loss in income, incurred significant costs, or other financial hardships experienced during or because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opportunity Home
On May 9, Opportunity Home San Antonio’s board of commissioners approved the Owner Incentive Payments program policy for the Housing Choice Voucher and Mainstream programs, a news release states.
By offering these owner incentives, Opportunity Home seeks to retain and attract new owners to the Housing Choice Voucher and Mainstream programs, and provide families a sufficient supply of affordable housing options, the release states.
In an effort to increase successful leasing for voucher holders in a competitive rental market, Opportunity Home will implement incentives up to $500 to owners who lease to Housing Choice Voucher and Mainstream program participants under new contracts and owners newly partnering with the organization, according to the release.
Opportunity Home officials said they hope to finalize the voucher application process and start paying out incentives beginning July 1.
Assisted Housing Programs Director Stephanie Rodriguez said the Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families, disabled and the elderly population with rental assistance.
“With this incentive, we hope that more landlords will see the benefit of the program, including low vacancy rates due to the need and number of voucher holders searching for homes, and the housing assistance payment goes directly to the landlord for a portion of the contract rent,” she added in a statement.
