The San Antonio Housing Authority, which received $5.7 million through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, says it's taking additional steps to support public housing residents struggling financially due to COVID-19 economic fallout.
A record-breaking number of people have lost their jobs or had hours cut because of the pandemic. SAHA residents make about $10K annually, so any loss of income can be devastating.
An evictions hold expired Monday for many Texas tenants, but about half of San Antonio's 260,000 rental properties are still protected through August 23 by a federal evictions moratorium.
The housing authority is offering rental assistance, teaming up with the San Antonio Food Bank to address residents' food shortages and mobilizing staff to assess and respond to other immediate needs, especially for its most vulnerable residents.
Public housing and Beacon Communities residents can also apply for 25% rent forgiveness for the month of June. SAHA says close to 23% of San Antonio's public housing households were rent delinquent in April.
Guest: David Nisivoccia, president and CEO of the San Antonio Housing Authority
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*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, May 19.
