HABC & KSAT Community Partner to Double Impact for Back-To-School Supply Drive During 50th Anniversary Year

The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with KSAT Community for our upcoming annual Back-To-School Supply Drive! As HABC celebrates its 50th anniversary as a public housing authority dedicated to empowering families and strengthening communities, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to giving local students the tools they need to succeed.

This year, with the support of KSAT Community, HABC is aiming to distribute 450 backpacks filled with school supplies—nearly double the number provided in 2024. Last year, HABC met its goal of 250 backpacks, and this year, we are setting our sights even higher.

“We’re not just handing out school supplies—we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Neldys Ortiz, Executive Director of HABC. “Through this partnership with KSAT Community, we’re strengthening our impact and ensuring that students from low-income households have a strong start to the school year. We want to help set them up for success.”

The Back-To-School Supply Drive helps ease the financial burden many families face during the start of the academic year. It provides children with essential school tools—like backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, and more—so they can walk into the classroom feeling confident, prepared, and supported.

This partnership is especially meaningful during HABC’s golden anniversary, a time to reflect on five decades of service and reaffirm our mission to serve Bexar County families with dignity, respect, and opportunity.

The drive will benefit children of families served through HABC’s various housing programs. With increased visibility and community support thanks to KSAT Community, we are more hopeful than ever about reaching our goal.

Stay tuned for more details on drop-off locations, ways to donate, volunteer opportunities, and different ways you can contribute. Together, we can make sure every child starts the school year ready to learn and succeed!

HABC Celebrates Record-Breaking Family Self-Sufficiency Program Graduation

HABC Celebrates FSS Program Graduation: $63K in Escrow Disbursements

SAN ANTONIO, TX — May 7, 2025

The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) is proud to announce the upcoming graduation ceremony for six participants of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the HABC Main Office.

This quarter’s graduation marks a historic HABC FSS program milestone, as graduates have collectively earned over $63,000 in escrow savings—the second highest amount ever awarded in the history of HABC’s FSS Program. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication and determination of these six participants as they worked toward self-sufficiency and financial independence.

The FSS Program is a five-year voluntary initiative designed for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) recipients. Participants receive support from case managers and employment services as they aim for goals such as stable employment, higher income, or improved credit scores. With increased income, they accrue escrow savings to be received upon successful program completion.

“Our FSS graduates are living proof that housing support paired with personal development resources can truly transform lives,” said Neldys Ortiz, Executive Director of HABC. “Also, the record-breaking $63,000 earned by this group of graduates is a testament to their resilience and our agency’s commitment to empowering families.”

Graduates often use their escrow disbursements to put down payments on homes, furthering their education, or pay off debt. The upcoming ceremony will include guest speakers, recognition of each graduate’s journey, and a check presentation.

Empowering Success: The Role of Support in the FSS Program

These six FSS program graduates have shown that amazing achievements are possible with a strong support network. HABC’s FSS Coordinators play a crucial role, providing essential resources and assistance to participants. Their dedication is key to the program’s success. This celebration is part of HABC’s ongoing mission to provide more than housing—it’s about creating opportunities, building futures, and changing lives.

To learn more about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program or visit www.habctx.org.

Housing Authority of Bexar County Marks 50 Years of Service with Anniversary Celebration

San Antonio, TX – The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) is celebrating a major milestone—50 years of providing safe, stable, and affordable housing to individuals and families across the county. Since its establishment on September 3, 1975, HABC has been a driving force in community development, offering housing solutions and self-sufficiency programs that empower residents and transform lives.

To commemorate this historic occasion, HABC will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 3, 2025, bringing together community partners, stakeholders, board members, and government officials to reflect on the agency’s accomplishments and share its vision for the future.

“For five decades, HABC has been committed to providing more than just housing—we’ve been building opportunities and improving lives,” said Neldys Ortiz, Executive Director of HABC. “This anniversary is a chance to honor our journey, celebrate our successes, and reaffirm our dedication to the people we serve.”

The event will highlight HABC’s key milestones, including its High-Performance SEMAP rating, innovative housing programs, and partnerships that have expanded affordable housing options throughout Bexar County. It will also feature recognition of key contributors, community impact stories, and a look ahead at HABC’s strategic initiatives for the future.

HABC has been instrumental in addressing housing challenges in the region, providing assistance through programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Over the years, the agency has adapted to changing community needs, continuously striving to create lasting, positive impacts on families and neighborhoods.

As HABC marks this milestone, the organization remains focused on its mission to ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable housing, while also fostering pathways to economic mobility and self-sufficiency.

For more information about the 50th Anniversary Celebration or media inquiries, contact: brenda.gonzales@habctx.org.