City is now accepting applications for REHABARAMA

Published on April 18, 2023

REHABARAMA is a housing preservation program offering repairs at no cost to qualifying homeowners.  

SAN ANTONIO (April 18, 2023) — The City’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is expanding its REHABARAMA program. If selected, participants may receive minor home repairs at no cost. Eligibility restrictions apply.
 
One goal of REHABARAMA is to preserve aging housing stock for the purpose of allowing residents to age in place & gain generational wealth.  “Our older housing stock provides a high proportion of naturally occurring affordable housing that remains largely unsubsidized and unprotected. These existing homes can be at risk of deterioration or demolition due to deferred maintenance, and once they are gone, we lose the affordability,” says Shanon Miller, Director of the Office of Historic Preservation. “Prioritizing repair and maintenance programs for our older housing stock is supported by the City's Strategic Housing Implementation Plan as an environmentally and economically sustainable method of housing preservation.” 
 
 
Qualified participants are eligible to receive assistance with home repair and maintenance projects focused on arresting deterioration and prolonging the useful life of the home. Typical scopes of work include projects that address one or more of the following: 

• Building envelope (siding, soffit, fascia, roof penetrations, skirting)  
• Structural systems (foundation, stabilization, reinforcement of structural elements, masonry)  
• Non-compliance with property maintenance code issues  
• Weatherization & comfort (wood window repair, windows screens, door repair, insulation)  
• Longevity (scraping, caulking, painting, flashing, gutter repair)  
• Safety (porch repair & decking, accessibility) 

To be eligible, the home must be constructed prior to 1960, and the income level for the household must be at 80% of the Area Median Income or below.  
 
To apply, homeowners can visit the REHABARAMA website or call 210-207-3327 to request an application by mail or email.

Beyond preserving aging housing stock, another goal of REHABARAMA is to integrate trades education and learning opportunities into every project. The City is seeking to hire contractors that would be willing to host an apprentice at no cost. Interested contractors can call 210-207-4680 or visit the REHABARAMA website to submit the Contractor Interest Form.