Thousands of San Antonians have been unable to pay their rent and utility bills in recent months due to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While our economy is improving, too many of our neighbors continue to suffer pandemic-related financial stress.
But the City of San Antonio has a program that can help residents get current on their payments. This assistance is readily available to help San Antonians stay in their homes while they recover economically.
In fact, San Antonio’s COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program was ranked as the top performer among 36 local jurisdictions examined by a non-profit group dedicated to helping Texans find decent housing.
San Antonio was given the top ranking in a report released last week by the Texas Housers, a service that provides information to help all Texans find affordable homes in quality neighborhoods.
Of course, the high ranking doesn’t put food on the table for residents or ease the load faced by rent-burdened San Antonians struggling to stay in their homes. However, it demonstrates that help is within reach for residents who need it.
And with the CDC eviction moratorium scheduled to end on July 31 – less than two weeks from now — more San Antonians are likely to need assistance soon.
The eviction moratorium does not mean that those who fell behind on their rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic do not have to pay rent to stay in their homes.
The Emergency Housing Assistance Program has been operating for 15 months and has provided more than $123 million in assistance to more than 42,000 families.
It is not too late to get help. More than $50 million is still available through the program so residents who need rental and utilities assistance can get it.
Funds remain available to help with rent, utilities, and other essentials, and city staff is ready to quickly help those who seek assistance.
Notably, residents seeking help from the EHAP will not be asked about their immigration status.
If you are behind on your rent, please remember that a notice to vacate is not an eviction. You can stay in your dwelling and start the process of getting emergency assistance. Housing officials recommend that you contact your landlord and try work out an agreement.
A court date will be set after you receive a court-issued notice, and city staff continues to attend eviction courts to help residents navigate the system. You must attend your court hearing to access the eviction diversion resources available at all eviction courts.
To find out more about the Emergency Housing Assistance program and how to get help, you can visit www.sanantgonio.gov/emergencyhousingassistance. If you don’t have internet access, call 311.
In addition to the Emergency Housing Assistance Program, residents can participate in the Train for Jobs SA program to get started on a new career. Trainees still can get stipends through the program to help pay their bills while they are preparing for a new job.
You can learn more about the job training program by calling 311.
The pandemic has created significant difficulties for many San Antonians, but the city programs are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these opportunities.
Ron Nirenberg is mayor of San Antonio.
