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Energy Assistance Program

habc1 on July 7, 2022

Energy Assistance

The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) partners with Bexar County’s Direct Client Services Division.  HABC staff members provide applications and assistance with submitting applications for Bexar County’s Energy Assistance Programs.  The programs provide energy assistance to low-income households to reduce their home energy costs.

 

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Common Housing Choice Voucher Questions

Bexar County’s Energy Assistance Programs help qualified households with their energy bill(s).  The household must be income-eligible, and priority is given to:

  • the elderly (60 years and older),
  • persons with disabilities,
  • household with a member under age six.

Income-eligible households that do not contain at least one priority group household member may also qualify.  Please note: Bexar County’s Energy Assistance Programs are dependent upon available funding.

For more information, please contact info@habctx.org or 210-225-0071

HCV Resources

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FYI Program

habc1 on July 7, 2022

Energy Assistance

Program funded by HUD that allows for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) that partner with a public child welfare agency (PCWA) to request targeted Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) to serve eligible youth with a history of child welfare involvement that are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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Common FYI Program Questions

To see if you are eligible please visit the link below or contact the members of the Department of Family Protective Services listed below.

Department of Family Protective Services

Walter Willman 210-337-3140 walter.willmann@dfps.texas.gov

Jason Silvaggio 210-585-7566 Jason.silvaggio@dfps.texas.gov

 Resources

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Emergency Housing Voucher

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Energy Assistance

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is an outcome of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
A federal subsidy program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), EHV’s goal is to decrease homelessness and assist in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing by subsidizing a portion of each family’s monthly rent, based on their income.

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Common Emergency Housing Voucher Questions

You will be eligible if you are:

  • Homeless,
  • At risk of homelessness,
  • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or
  • Were recently homeless and a high risk of housing instability

Emergency Housing Vouchers can be provided to families referred to HABC by South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH).

If you believe you may be eligible for assistance, please contact the Homeless Connections Hotline at (210) 207-1799

 Resources

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Mainstream Voucher Program

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Energy Assistance

Mainstream Vouchers assist non-elderly persons with disabilities and are administered using the same rules as other housing choice vouchers.

Funding and financial reporting for Mainstream Vouchers is separate from the regular tenant-based voucher program.

Hands Holding House Key with neighborhood in the background

Common Mainstream Voucher Program Questions

Visit the link below to see if you are eligible. Center for Health Care Services
To enroll in CHCS services, start by calling 210-261-1250 (adults) or 210-261-3350 (children) to begin the process.  A preliminary screening will be done to determine eligibility and level of need.

 Resources

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Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

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Energy Assistance

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program for homeless veterans combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at VA medical centers and community-based outreach clinics.

Homeless veterans are screened by the VA and then referred to HABC. A total of 228 vouchers have been allocated for the program, and are being used to assist Veterans and their families.

To start the referral process, you can contact the local HUD-VASH office at 210-616-9915.

You can also visit them at the Bluff Creek Building at 4201 Medical Dr. Suite 280, San Antonio, TX 78229.

For more information, please contact info@habctx.org or 210-225-0071.

HCV Program Information
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Common Veterans Affair Supportive Housing Questions

 Resources

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Family Self-Sufficiency Program

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Energy Assistance

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is a voluntary five year incentive program that allows Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing residents to accrue money in an escrow account as their earned income increases, allowing participants to become self-sufficient.  Any increases in the family’s rent as a result of increased earned income during the family’s participation in the program results in a credit to the family’s escrow account.  Once a family successfully graduates from the program, they may access the escrow and use it for any purpose.  The FSS program does not affect eligibility for continued housing.

Apply Now
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Common Family Self-Sufficiency Program Questions

Upon successful completion of the FSS program, the escrow money saved can be used for any financial or educational goal the participant chooses.  While completing homeownership and credit counseling classes may be required goals, the main purpose of the FSS program is to educate and transition FSS participants towards economic independence and financial empowerment.

All Bexar County residents receiving assistance through the Housing Authority of Bexar County’s (HABC) Housing Choice Voucher or Public Housing programs are eligible to participate in the FSS program, including all adult family members.  As the requirement of the program dictates, only earned wages are calculated for the escrow incentive.

The FSS coordinator works with FSS participants in creating a plan to meet both individual and program goals.  In conjunction with community partners, participants will be assisted with the tools needed to become self-sufficient, including but not limited to:

  • Job Skills Training
  • Employment counseling
  • Educational and scholarship opportunities
  • Homeownership classes and counseling
  • Financial literacy classes and counseling
Contact an FSS Program Coordinator to make an appointment to begin enrollment and benefit from all the FSS program has to offer. FSS Interest Form: Online | PDF

 Resources

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Housing Choice Voucher

habc1 on July 7, 2022

Energy Assistance

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The Federal Housing Assistance Program, which would eventually become the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as “Section 8”) was established in the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 during the Great Depression due to crisis which accompanied massive economic collapse. Soon, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 was passed. This established the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). It is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HCV is our government’s primary program used to assist income-eligible households with the opportunity to afford safe and sanitary housing.

HABC is a Public Housing Agency (PHA) that administers the HCV program and adheres to HUD regulations located in the 24 CFR Part 982

Parents sitting on couch while son and daughter play

Common Housing Choice Voucher Questions

Eligibility is determined based on the total annual income and family size of the household.  Annual income cannot exceed 50% of the area median income for Bexar County.  Family assets are also taken into consideration when determining eligibility.

Pre-applications are taken during waiting list events.  Notification to the general public is made through various media and social sources. Currently the waiting list is closed, and no applications are being accepted at this time.

Participants in the HBC program may lease an approved housing unit where vouchers are accepted. The participant pays a portion of the rent, according to household income, and HABC pays the difference (the “Housing Assistance Payment or HAP). Participants will not be approved for housing units that exceed more than 40% of household income for their share of rent and utilities.

Effective April 1, 2018, HABC is following the new HUD guidelines for Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMR) based on the zip code where the unit is located.   Please call for updated SAFMRs

A participant who wishes to move to outside of HABC’s jurisdiction must consult with our office to verify procedures.

The tenant is expected to comply with the lease and the HCV program requirements, pay their share of rent on time, maintain the housing unit in good condition and notify HABC of any changes in household income or composition.  Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the family to an informal hearing.  Hearing results can vary from immediate corrective measures being implemented to termination from the HCV program.

The Owner/Landlord is required to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The unit must pass a housing quality standards (HQS) inspection and the standards must be maintained as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments (HAP).  In addition, the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed with HABC.  Beginning July 1, 2018, landlords will be provided a total of 2 free inspections prior to tenant move-in.  Owners will be required to pay $75.00 for each subsequent inspection until the unit is approved to occupancy.

As participants, the Owner benefits from timely and guaranteed subsidy payments for each month that all program requirements are met.  Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are distributed via direct deposit.

The Housing Authority of Bexar County (HABC) administers the Housing Choice Voucher program and pays housing assistance.  HABC also enters into a contract with the Owner to provide housing assistance payments on behalf of the family. If the Owner fails to meet their obligations under the lease, HABC has the right to terminate assistance payments. HUD mandates that HABC conduct annual re-examinations and review the family’s income and composition. In addition, annual inspections of the housing unit are performed to ensure that HUD’s required housing quality standards are met.

HUD provides funds to allow HABC to make housing assistance payments on behalf of the program participants and pays HABC fees for administering the program.

HABV Current Utility Allowance Schedules
HABC’s Current Utility Allowance Schedules – Single Family Homes
HABC’s Current Utility Allowance Schedules – Multi-Family Homes
HABC’s Current Utility Allowance Schedules – Manufactured Homes

HUD governs the program requirements.

Already an HCV Participant? You may qualify for the FSS program! Click here to learn more. 

HCV Resources

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