Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical Christian non-profit housing organization working in partnership with God’s people in need to build modest, decent and affordable houses without interest or profit, thereby witnessing God’s love in action. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

We work with families whose total income is between 20% – 70% of the area median income. Families are accepted to the Habitat program based on their need, ability to pay a zero percent interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner. Applicants must be residents of Bexar County. Once accepted, homeowners are eligible to buy a home from Habitat with a 20 – 25 year zero percent interest mortgage. Families spend a minimum of 300 hours investing in “sweat equity”. Where they support and help build their own home and the homes of their neighbors. Monthly payments average $600 (including taxes and insurance). In our 40-year history we have less than a 1.5% foreclosure rate.

Families partner with us and contribute a minimum of 300 hours of sweat equity, 15-20 hours of Home Owner Readiness classes and pay a minimal down payment on their mortgage. Mortgage payments are around $600 a month and include taxes and insurance.

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.

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.

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

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.