Opportunity Home Offers Support to Displaced Soap Factory Tenants
Sept. 9, 2024
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As a committed partner of the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, Opportunity Home San Antonio will offer comparable rental units at its mixed-income communities for all Soap Factory Apartment households affected in phase one by the proposed Weston Urban development downtown.
Opportunity Home is prepared to accommodate all affected households in phase one of the proposed development by closely matching existing Soap Factory rents, including offering the first month free of rent. The organization has vacancies for rent throughout the city at its Beacon Communities, Opportunity Home’s non-profit, mixed-income portfolio that currently has no waitlist. These rents align with the existing rents at the Soap Factory Apartments.
“We are committed to serving those with immediate housing needs at Soap Factory Apartments,” said Michael Reyes, Opportunity Home Acting President and CEO. “Through these available homes at Beacon, we hope to provide these families an option for stable housing and bring some relief as they deal with the challenges of relocation. It is simply the right thing to do.”
Opportunity Home has vacancies at workforce housing properties downtown, near Hemisfair Park in its Victoria Commons community; these properties are on the VIA bus line and within walking distance to downtown workplaces and attractions.
This solution offers Soap Factory Apartment tenants the opportunity to remain in comparable downtown housing or the option to move to another affordable housing development across the city, which may be closer to family or work.
“It is important we offer housing support to these residents who are facing relocation,” said Gabe Lopez, Opportunity Home Board of Commissioners chair. “We are cognizant that this is a delicate situation and so we want to offer an immediate solution that is compassionate.”
Based on the proposal presented to San Antonio Council last month, the Weston Urban proposed development for a new ballpark stadium and adjacent developments in downtown San Antonio entails the eventual demolition of various buildings at the nearby Soap Factory Apartments. The details of this plan have generated questions regarding the relocation of existing residents, and the availability of comparably priced units in the area.
Though Weston Urban has hired a nonprofit, Building Brighter Communities, to assist affected tenants, Opportunity Home’s housing option offers another layer of support to help ensure those affected are able to secure housing.