Program to help struggling San Antonio families still flush with cash
Nearly 44% of $133.6M Emergency Housing Assistance Program still available to help pay rent, utilities, internet bills
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SAN ANTONIO – A program to help residents who are struggling because of the pandemic pay their rent and other bills still has tens of millions of dollars to dole out.
The Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) has received a total of $133.6 million in chunks over the past year from various funding sources. The latest funding top-off, $46.8 million of U.S. Treasury funding in February, is one reason it still has nearly 44% of the money available $58.4 million.
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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas talks about the $4.5 million available for Kansas City residents to use toward rent or utility relief during a press conference Thursday.
The money won’t cover phone or internet expenses, and you’ll need documentation to show you’re experiencing financial hardship, according to an announcement Thursday.
Kansas City residents can apply for rent and utility assistance starting Thursday as part of a $4.5 million emergency relief effort coordinated by the city and paid for by the federal government.
The goal is simple: keep people in homes with the power on. Statewide, about 18% of Missourians reported not being caught up on rental payments, according to the latest Census Bureau survey. And Kansas City nonprofits have reported a wave of requests for help throughout the pandemic. For example, a year ago, the Community Assistance Council got about 25 calls a day. In the past 24-hours, the social service agency received 130 calls for emergency hel
Commentary: Make neighborhood groups part of disaster response
Christina Wright and Cynthia Spielman, For the Express-News
March 3, 2021
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Community advocate Queta Rodriguez helps a man, who is legally bling, set his thermostat once power was restored at his apartment during last month’s freeze. The city of San Antonio should be better coordinating with neighborhoods to facilitate disaster response.Lisa Krantz /Staff photographer
We all knew it was coming: In the days leading up to the winter storm, neighbors advised neighbors on how to prepare for the cold weather and assisted those who needed an extra hand. We all watched the weather reports as the temperature dropped dramatically.
Need post-storm help? San Antonio launches hotline, website for assistance
Karly Williams
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Plumber Alex Ortega of Beyer Boys works on rupture pipes on a home in the Stone Oak area of the city on Friday. The recent subfreezing temperatures across Texas caused many pipes to burst.Billy Calzada /Staff PhotographerShow MoreShow Less
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Twice last week, snow blanketed San Antonio. With the winter storm behind us, the political work begins for accountability, restoration and change.Billy Calzada /Billy CalzadaShow MoreShow Less
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The city of San Antonio is aiming to help residents navigate the effects of the devastating winter storm as many pick up the pieces after the deep freeze and snow left homes with busted water pipes, electricity problems, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
The City of San Antonio on Wednesday will launch an Emergency Resource Call Center (ERCC) and website to assist residents affected by the recent severe winter weather.