San Antonio's Westside is witnessing a notable stride toward housing affordability, thanks to the collaborative efforts of city officials, housing partners, and Our Casas Resident Council. In a recent celebration, they marked the triumph of the Zarzamora Affordable Home Project, designed to foster accessible home ownership. The project, supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), empowers first-time buyers with an income of 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income, to purchase a home on the Westside—translating to an annual income cap of $63,750 for a family of three.
In 2017, the Office of Urban Redevelopment (OURSA) laid the groundwork by selling five lots to Our Casas for the development of single-family homes. Of these, three have reached completion, while the remaining two are gearing up for a finish line by early August 2024. According to a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio, “this family home is the culmination of systemwide efforts to align our funding streams, partnerships and resident services to promote homeownership," Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed during the celebratory event.
The affordable housing initiative doesn't stop at mere homeownership, but also features innovative solutions like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—inclusive of the first home sold in May 2024. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo highlighted the significance of ADUs, citing, “Our families deserve quality housing, and the addition of this home with a casita in the 78207 shows our City’s commitment to supporting San Antonio residents." Castillo's emphasis underscores the dual advantage of additional living space and potential rental income for homeowners.
The acute need for a diversified affordable housing stock has not gone unnoticed. Zeke Romo, executive director for Our Casas Resident Council, elucidated their mission. "We choose to build single-family homes so families can attain the American Dream of homeownership in the Westside," Romo told the City of San Antonio. These single-family homes paired with ADUs fall perfectly in line with the city's Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, aiming to provide diverse and economical living options within the community.
Funding for the Zarzamora Affordable Home Project was sourced from various channels, including $351,669 in HUD HOME funding. Contributions also flowed from the San Antonio Housing Trust's line of credit, the Bank of San Antonio's construction aid, and a pilot project grant from LISC of San Antonio for the ADUs. With homes still available, eligible first-time homebuyers are encouraged to apply. The project is not just about putting roofs over heads, but it is also about enriching community fabric and fostering sustainable growth.
