AGA 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 three (3) subcomponents including the following: a) Homebuyer Education and Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP); b) First Time Homebuyer Program and ‘In-Fill’ Housing; and c) 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 (8) 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. Each participant also receives a copy of his or her credit report and a homebuyer guide in either English or Spanish. Upon completion of the course, the participant receives a certificate that enables them to request down payment assistance. One-on-one counseling is also offered and available after course completion. We offer Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Loss Mitigation Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention Counseling. Even though we do not have financial assistance for mortgage payments, we do offer mortgage counseling. 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 Alaquinez or Veronica Guerrero at (210) 223-3151 ext. 29 or info@avenidaguadalupe.org for further information on this program.

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. Tthe 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 assistance that will be used to reduce the principal amount of the permanent mortgage and cover closing costs. 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.

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. To qualify for this program, the property must be owner-occupied, owners must be 62 years or older, homes must be located within the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood, property must be designated as homestead with Bexar Appraisal, and owners must be at or below 30% of income. Owners who qualify will be assisted with plumbing, electrical, roof repairs (not replacement), non-working utilities, broken windows, and damaged doors. For more information please contact Marta Alaquinez or the Avenida Office at (210) 223-3151 ext. 23.