NONPROFIT
2022 REAL ESTATE EDITION
San Marcos Housing Authority Agency helps residents bridge gap to a ordable homes T he San Marcos Housing Authority, established in 1969, has been serving residents and bridging the gap to a ordable housing for more than 50 years. Throughout the city, there are a variety of public housing complexes owned and operated by the SMHA where, if approved, a resident could stay for as long as they need, Executive Director Lana Wagner said. “We have people that have been here for years. Our rents are very reasonable. They’re based o 30% of your gross income,” Wagner said. “Of course, if you lose your job, then you could possibly go on zero rent. However, if your income increases, then your rent can go up, so it works both ways.” SMHA has a handful of complexes throughout the city such as the Allen Wood Homes, CM Allen Homes and Porter Homes. Through public housing, which has around 300 units throughout San Marcos, residents can join the Family Self-Su ciency Program, which is usually a ve-year-long plan. Through the FSS Program, residents learn about nancial literacy and other skills to help with employment. Additionally, a percentage of their rent is taken and put into a savings account every month for the duration of the program. “It allows them to save, and that’s the goal with FSS. They help you [save] money and then, hopefully, within ve years you’d have enough money for a down payment [on a home],” Wagner said. The SMHA also has a Section 8 housing voucher program for low-income families, seniors and residents with disabili- ties. However, the resident is responsible for nding housing that meets the program requirements. Residents interested in either public housing or the Section 8 program must ll out an application, at which point will put them on a waitlist. Residents must also go through an interview process and a criminal background check. The overall goal of the SMHA is to provide assistance and stability to residents so that they can hopefully go out on their own one day, Wagner said. BY ZARA FLORES
“WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE FOR YEARS. OUR RENTS ARE VERY REASONABLE. THEY’RE BASED OFF 30% OF YOUR GROSS INCOME.” LANA WAGNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lana Wagner is the executive director of the San Marcos Housing Authority.
ZARA FLORES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
PROGRAMS PROVIDING ASSISTANCE The San Marcos Housing Authority has a few programs designed to help residents gain nancial stability and independence. PUBLIC HOUSING Residents pay approximately 30% of their gross income in rent. Residents in public housing are eligible to enroll in the Family Self-Su ciency Program. FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY Participants learn new skills to gain employment, learn about nancial literacy and set goals. A portion of their rent is allocated into a savings account. SECTION 8 Vouchers are issued to residents, and they are responsible for nding housing that accepts the voucher. ELDERLY AND DISABLED SERVICES The SMHA identi es barriers in the lives of those that are elderly or have a disability and helps accommodate their needs. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Tutors and mentors are available at various public housing sites to help children with homework, nutrition education, goal setting and more.
Springtown Villas is a 60-unit complex for resi- dents with disabilities and elderly residents only.
San Marcos Housing Authority Main O ce: 1201 Thorpe Lane, San Marcos 512-353-5058 www.smpha.org
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m.-noon, closed Sat.-Sun.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JULY 2022
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