DEPARTMENT:
Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Ver?nica R. Soto, FAICP, Neighborhood and Housing Services Department Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:
Citywide
SUMMARY:
Presentation by members of the Risk Mitigation Fund Stakeholder Group on the proposed amendments to the City of San Antonio's Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On April 23, 2020, City Council approved the creation of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). The program provides eligible applicants rental or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and cash assistance. The EHAP is administered by the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD). As of February 8, the City has approved $71.9 million in assistance to over 28,770 households seeking emergency rental, mortgage, and utility assistance.
At the request of the Housing Commission, City staff developed and distributed a survey to all EHAP applicants, participating property managers & owners, and implementation partners. The Housing Commission's Outreach Subcommittee helped with the survey's development and distribution. The survey was open November 9th- December 31st, 2020. The survey data spoke to the need for a better referral system, technical assistance for those who do not have access to a computer or need assistance applying online, and the need for more months of assistance.
The survey data informed the proposed EHAP amendments, The amendments also reflect the limitations associated with the US Treasury funds, staff and applicant feedback, input from the Mayor and City Council, Cultural and Neighborhood Service Council Committee, and the Housing Commission as well as feedback
received by the EHAP Call Center and other community meetings. The following amendments are proposed:
* Extend the term of eligibility from 2 months of assistance to 6 months of assistance.
* Continue t...
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