Over 600 San Antonio families avoid eviction with help from Opportunity Home and others

SAN ANTONIO — Over 600 San Antonio families were served notices to vacate their homes in late April, according to Opportunity Home.

Leaders presented concerning statistics surrounding those who are facing this process in a regular board meeting posted to YouTube on May 1. The most shocking point made to Opportunity Home board members: Tenants owe amounts ranging from $1 to $10,000. 

Now the organization and others are working to make sure those families do not lose their homes.

Brance Arnold with Opportunity Home told KENS 5 that in order to make a down payment, a family must make an initial payment of at least 10% of the total amount owed or in the amount agreed upon by the family and Opportunity Home.

Of those 625 people sent notices to vacate their homes, Brance said 20 have moved out, 100 residents are now current by paying in full or entering into a repayment agreement, and 150 have made payments. 

RELATED: 'It's not right to evict families' | Opportunity Home working to address more than 600 San Antonians who were asked to vacate their homes

Kayla Miranda with Coalition for Tenant Justice said they've reached close to 50% of the over 600 people affected, providing them the necessary resources to help them not lose their home.

“I can tell you I have completed District 5 as of Monday which is 41% of the 625," Miranda said. "We’re still working on that list, but getting people to get this information is extremely important.”

How Opportunity Home is Assisting Residents

• Provide access to resources to affected residents, including options to enter into a repayment agreement or reduce rents due to the reduction or loss of income
• Coordinate on-site meetings at multiple communities with Neighborhood Housing and Services Department (NHSD) to assist families with relocation assistance and limited rental relief
• Partner with NHSD to bring their staff to multiple Public Housing properties at various times to discuss options for relocation assistance and limited rental assistance for those who meet strict qualifications
• Host, in partnership with NHSD and District Offices, resource fairs at key locations in the city within proximity of affected communities
• Make attempts to contact the family, including door-knocking, phone call, text, and email to discuss the family’s situation and connect them with local service providers depending on the family’s needs
• Meet with families to verify balance and speak with families about entering into RPAs and discuss available options
• Compile available resources and connecting families depending on their needs
• Coordinate financial literacy courses and financial advising through multiple partners such as COSA’s Financial Empowerment Center and YWCA Economic Empowerment
• Process any outstanding changes of income or family composition to accurately reflect the family’s monthly rental payment
• Involve Resident Service Coordinators and the City of San Antonio’s Homeless Services Department as needed