In the wake of community backlash, the San Antonio housing authority has been quick to course-correct after a wave of potential evictions loomed over public housing residents. Michael Reyes, who stepped in as acting president and CEO of Opportunity Home San Antonio, has moved to immediately rescind the majority of the roughly 600 notices to vacate issued in April to tenants in debt. Reyes emphasized the need to protect vulnerable households, particularly in light of the lingering effects of the pandemic. "We must do all we can to protect our vulnerable households, particularly those who are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic," Reyes said in statements quoted by the San Antonio Report.
Yet the ousted CEO, Ed Hinojosa Jr., wasn't without his defenders. Public housing advocates and Councilwoman Teri Castillo lamented his departure, recognizing his efforts to advocate for more federal and local funding for Opportunity Home. "I’m struggling to understand why the board made the decision to remove Ed Hinojosa, who has been a visionary leader and leading the city of San Antonio out of a housing crisis," Castillo stated in a press conference, firmly to question the board's move. Although the board cited multiple concerns that supposedly lead to the decision, Hinojosa's handling of the debt recoupment strategy was particularly singled out. Reyes, while respecting the board's decision, acknowledged Hinojosa's contributions and compassion in his work.
The contentious ouster and ensuing policy overhaul come at a critical time for Opportunity Home, which faces a deficit reportedly nearing $19 million. In an attempt to mitigate this financial strain and the fallout from the controversial notices to vacate, Reyes has proposed to temporarily double the arrears threshold from $3,000 to $6,000, which would allow more households to qualify for repayment plans. According to Opportunity Home, this change could benefit about 80% of those initially targeted for eviction. Reyes is also looking to cap past-due rent balances "to no more than three months of household rent" in efforts to protect residents from sinking further into debt and bolster the organization's financial stability.
In the interim, the housing authority continues to seek payment from residents with outstanding balances exceeding $6,000. Of the households that were issued notices to vacate, a number have already either settled their dues or arranged for repayment plans. Opportunity Home remains determined to ensure its operations are sustainable, even as it seeks to balance the needs of residents against the pressures of financial exigencies. "This is the right thing to do and we will continue to find ways in the coming days and weeks to further protect our residents," Reyes assured in a statement obtained by the San Antonio Report.
