San Antonio’s Opportunity Home Program Secures Funding for Affordable Housing Projects
San Antonio, Bexar County – The City of San Antonio has made significant strides in addressing the need for affordable housing through its Opportunity Home San Antonio program (formerly known as the San Antonio Housing Authority). By utilizing local bond funding and federal grants, the city has selected four affordable housing projects to receive a total of $8.3 million in funding.
On June 8, the City Council approved the allocation of funds for 14 housing projects, amounting to a total investment of $32.1 million. Among these projects, four Opportunity Home initiatives were chosen, including three rehabilitation projects: Victoria Plaza Apartments, Midcrown Senior Pavilion, and The Ravello, along with one homeownership project, the Westside Reinvestment Initiative.
Victoria Plaza Apartments, a 185-unit development serving senior and disabled residents, will benefit from $2.5 million in funding for comprehensive renovations. This includes the installation of a new energy-efficient roof, stormwater capture improvements, and a solar panel system to offset electricity consumption.
Likewise, Midcrown Senior Pavilion, a 196-unit development catering to elderly and disabled residents, will receive $2.5 million for a rehabilitation project focused on universal design and energy efficiency enhancements. This will involve HVAC replacement, the installation of new appliances, and security improvements.
The Ravello, a 252-unit development designed for senior adults aged 55 and older, will be granted $2.5 million for renovations emphasizing universal design and energy efficiency features. Upgrades will include HVAC replacement, new appliances, and improvements to fire alarm and security systems.
Furthermore, the Westside Reinvestment Initiative, comprising over 20 units, will receive $801,144 for various energy-efficient upgrades. These enhancements encompass the use of energy-efficient roofing materials, electric heating and cooling equipment, high-efficiency HVAC systems, spray-foam insulation, solar heat reflectance roofs, cool and reflective surfaces, low-impact development practices, water collection and reuse through drip-irrigation, xeriscaping with native plant materials, and dark sky compliant exterior lighting.
Ed Hinojosa Jr., President and CEO of Opportunity Home, expressed gratitude for the support of the City of San Antonio and emphasized the impact of this funding on providing access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations. Hinojosa also noted the positive effect these projects will have on the revitalization of the Westside community, creating more housing opportunities for its residents. The funding received for these projects aligns with Opportunity Home’s mission to transform lives and promote equitable housing.
This funding allocation marks the third round of affordable housing investments under the city’s 2021 housing plan and the approved $150 million housing bond. The plan identified a need for the construction or preservation of over 28,000 affordable housing units. The selection of projects for this round of funding followed a rigorous bidding process, with all city-funded units requiring acceptance of housing vouchers to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
