COVID-19 Community Resources

COVID-19 Hotline Now Open

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has opened a COVID-19 hotline for residents to ask questions about the virus. The hotline is available in English and Spanish. Residents can call 210-207-5779. (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Information for the public is also available at: www.sanantonio.gov/health/2019ncoronavirus.

Texas Workforce Commission / Unemployment Assistance

On 3/17/20, Texas Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to waive the waiting week for Unemployment Benefits.

Those seeking to apply for Unemployment Benefits will need to submit an application.

You will need the following:

  • Last employer’s business name and address
  • First and last dates (month, day and year) you worked for your last employer
  • Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week (including Sunday)
  • Information related to your normal wage
  • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)
  1. Housing & Rental Assistance
  2. Utility & Emergency Assistance
  3. Health & Wellness Resources
  4. Food Security & Assistance
  5. Small Business Assistance

HOUSING/RENTAL ASSISTANCE

In his Emergency Declaration on March 23rd, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has issued a moratorium on all evictions and foreclosures except those in an emergency situation. For those in need, we have programs ready to assist.

Bexar County Temporary Rental Assistance Measures

Bexar County Commissioners Court recently allocated $4 million for a Temporary Rental Assistance Measure (“TRAM”) in response to COVID-19. The program will offer 1-3 months of rental assistance (in accordance with HUD Fair Market Rent limits) for residents of unincorporated Bexar County and suburban cities that:

  1. Meet HUD-established income limits for families earning 100% or below the Area Median Income ($72,000 for a family of 4); and
  2. Can provide proof of unemployment (i.e., furlough, layoff or termination) or a material reduction of income due to COVID-19.

The application is available at https://habctx.org/tram. Those without internet access may call (210) 940-1180.

The Bexar County Economic & Community Development Department  Provides rental assistance and utility assistance, along with other resources to Bexar County residents. Visit them online or contact them for more information and to file an application. 233 N. Pecos, Ste. 590, San Antonio, Texas 78207, (210) 335-3666

Effective March 18, 2020 for residents, the City of San Antonio’s Fair Housing Program is accepting emergency rent and mortgage assistance referrals. Households experiencing an emergency and hardship, please click here to submit your request for assistance.

Additional Resources:

  • Center for Working Families (CWF) – Access to Emergency Rental Assistance for emergency or short term hardship, eviction notice, must have ability to get back on track with paying rent in future, and landlord must be willing to work with agency, (210) 207-7830.
  • Alamo Area Resource Center – Some of the programs run include rental and utility assistance, housing location assistance, free or low cost legal services, help in filing for Social Security, homeless prevention and Food Stamp applications. In regards to housing, this non-profit offers referrals to other agencies for emergency rent assistance, if needed. Works closely with social service groups too. 527 N. Leona, 3rd Floor, Bldg. A, San Antonio, Texas 78207, (210)358-9995
  • American GI Forum, 611 N. Flores, 210-354-4892
  • American Red Cross - Housing Assistance and rent help. Shelter may be coordinated during times of disaster, 3642 E. Houston., 210-224-5151
  • Avenida Guadalupe Association - is a HUD certified Housing Counseling agency providing pre-purchase counseling and education, non-delinquency post-purchase counseling, and mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling (Ready2Own program). Additionally, we provide financial management and budget counseling services as well as computer classes (Ready2Learn program) and workforce readiness training and seminars (Ready2Work program). All services are provided free contact us at 1314 Guadalupe St. #201, 210-223-3151.
  • Bexar County Housing Authority - Housing advice and emergency rental assistance. They also provide information on Section 8 in Texas. 1017 N. Main Ave # 201, 210-225-0071