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San Antonio, TX–Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced over $10 million in federal funds, through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for housing resources in the Bexar County/San Antonio area. Through the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, San Antonio and Bexar County organizations received $9,437,007. These funds support organizations that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Two separate grants were also awarded to both the Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) and the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA). HABC received $449,784 to support Mainstream Housing Vouchers and $192,149 through the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. SAHA received $381,981 to support Mainstream Housing Vouchers and $936,002 through the FSS program. Mainstream vouchers assist low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing; the FSS program assists families in becoming financially independent.

“It is important that we find ways to help low-income individuals and families live in integrated settings,” said Congressman Cuellar. “With this funding the San Antonio and Bexar County area will be able to continue assisting individuals live independently and not face the daunting issue of homelessness. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure that public housing authorities have the necessary means and resources to alleviate such problems and help those in our community who are struggling.”

Leslie Bradley, HUD Deputy Regional Administrator said, “FSS is focused on helping people find jobs, putting them on a path to self-sufficiency - one of HUD’s core missions. The funding announced today will help SAHA and Bexar County participants to increase their income potential and build wealth that can be used for a downpayment on a home, school tuition, and more.”

Tammye Trevino, Executive Director for Housing Authority of Bexar County said, “The additional funding is just one step in HABC’s projected growth in meeting the extreme need for housing in all sectors of San Antonio and Bexar County.  We’re grateful to HUD for their confidence in our ability to manage programs and we look forward to increasing our assistance to our residents.”

Continuum of Care (CoC) Program

HUD’s Continuum of Care grant funding supports an array of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, located in sheltering programs, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Texas was granted a total of $101,332,807, with the San Antonio/Bexar County area receiving $9,437,007 from that overall sum.

Several organizations that are recipients include:

• Haven for Hope
• American GI-Forum National Veterans Outreach Program (NVOP)
• SAMMinistries
• South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH)
• Thrive Youth Center
• Family Violence Prevention Services

Mainstream Housing Voucher Program

Funds will assist non-elderly persons with disabilities, particularly those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; currently experiencing homelessness; previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project; or at risk of becoming homeless.

This program seeks to further the goals of the American Disability Act and the goals of the “Home Together: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.” According to the Census Bureau, approximately 10.5 percent of Bexar County residents and approximately 13.7 percent of San Antonio residents, under the age of 65, live with some sort of physical or cognitive disability.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Funds will allow local Housing Authorities to employ FSS Coordinators, who help families get back on their feet and regain independence by connecting them with services, such as child care, transportation, job training, employment and counseling.

The FSS program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies by connecting participating families with existing services and programs in the community, such as social service agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local partners

In the Picture: From left to right is Robert Wehrmeyer of HABC, Tammy Trevino – Executive Director of HABC, Leslie Ann Bradley – HUD Deputy Regional Administrator Region VI, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and David Nisivoccia – CEO and President of SAHA.

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