Avenida Housing Programs

Perhaps the most critical and successful program areas for the Avenida are our Housing Programs. The goals of the Avenida Housing Programs are to advance homebuyer education and increase the availability of affordable housing in the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood. Avenida Housing Programs consist of the following three subcomponents:

1. Homebuyer Education and Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP)
2. First Time Homebuyer Program and ‘In-Fill’ Housing
3. Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program

Homebuyer Education Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP)

The Avenida Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP) is a HUD approved program which consists of an eight hour homeownership training course. The course is offered monthly throughout the year to potential homeowners. The ultimate goal of the Avenida Housing Counseling Assistance Program is to assist low to moderate-income people in becoming homeowners by providing them with the education, knowledge, and information needed to make informed decisions throughout the home buying process.

HCAP offers a comprehensive homebuyer education and counseling program component designed to cover the complete home purchase process. All aspects of purchasing a home including qualifying for a mortgage, locating a house, addressing credit problems, budgeting, identifying types of mortgage loans, closing loans, obtaining homeowner insurance, and understanding property taxes and home maintenance are all covered in the course. Upon completion of the course, the participant will meet for a session with a HUD-approved housing counselor for one-on-one counseling after which the participant will receive a certificate that enables them to request down payment assistance and meet lender requirements.

Our counseling includes Loss Mitigation Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling. We also offer Mortgage Delinquency Counseling though we do not have financial assistance for mortgage payments. We work as a liason between the homeowner and their mortgage company. Counseling is FREE and classes are open to all residents of Bexar and surrounding counties. Call Marta Alonzo or Veronica Guerrero at (210) 223-3151 for further information on this program.

Click here for a list of 2012 Homebuyer Education Classes.

First Time Homebuyer Program and ‘In-Fill’ Housing

The Avenida offers ‘in-fill' housing through the First Time Homebuyer Program. The Avenida owns vacant lots in the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood for new single family housing. The properties are and will be sold to qualified low-income first time homebuyers. The homebuyer and the builder design a house together to meet the particular needs of the homebuyer.

The Avenida has obtained commitments from the City of San Antonio HOME Program and private sources to provide down payment assistance citywide up to $12,000. Homebuyers utilizing the HOME Program must have household incomes less than 80% of the area median income. Homebuyers are required to contribute a minimum of $800 to $1,400 in cash from their own funds depending on the requirement of the permanent mortgage lender. All homebuyers must also complete a homeowner counseling program, which Avenida offers monthly for FREE.

Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program

Initiated in 2006, the Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program was designed to provide free home repairs, renovations, and modifications for low-income senior homeowners so that they can live safely and independently in their own homes. Owners who qualify will be assisted with plumbing, electrical, roof repairs (not replacement), non-working utilities, broken windows, and damaged doors. For see if you qualify, please contact Marta Alonzo or the Avenida Office at (210) 223-3151.