WEBB COUNTY SELF-HELP CENTER
Program Manager: Cassie Allred
Office: 8116 Hwy 359
Laredo, TX 78043*
Phone (956) 523-4760 * Fax: (956) 728-1483
The Webb County Self-Help Center (SHC) was established in 1995, during the 74th Legislature which passed what is now known as Senate Bill 1509. Senate Bill 1509 required that the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Office of Colonia Initiatives establish six (6) self-help centers in the counties of Cameron/Willacy, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and El Paso. The purpose of establishing the self-help centers along these counties is to give concentrated attention to the abundance of “colonias” in these counties with sub-standard living conditions.
The Webb County Self-Help Center is under the direction of the Community Action Agency. The overall goal of the Webb County SHC is the transformation of colonias into conventional neighborhoods with the provision of safe, decent and sanitary living conditions.
Webb County Self-Help Center is currently serving seven (7) colonias known as the target area that will receive concentrated attention from the SHC program. The seven (7) identified colonias are Los Altos, San Carlos II, Ranchitos 359 East, Pueblo Nuevo, Rio Bravo, El Cenizo, and Penitas West. The services provided to colonia residents of these targeted areas include housing and community development services, infrastructure improvements and outreach and educational services.
The Self-Help Center Program is funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Program activities vary based on funding availability. Completed activities carried out by the Self-Help Center Program seen below
Tool Lending Library:
The SHC Tool Library is a library equipped with tools available to colonia residents to borrow at no cost to the resident. The tools must be used to improve the living condition of their home. The homeowner must follow the SHC Tool Library rules including returning all borrowed equipment in good condition and within the allotted time. Tools available at the SHC Tool Library include a variety basic tools, power tools and garden tools.
Housing Rehabilitation:
This program will assist homeowners with the rehabilitation of their homes. This will alleviate overcrowding and sub-standard living conditions for eligible homeowners. Upon completion of the housing rehabilitation project, the home will meet TDHCA Colonia Housing Standards. Program requirements include income eligibility and other criteria.
New Construction:
This program will construct new homes for qualifying colonia residents. Program requirements include income eligibility and other criteria.
Clean-Up Campaigns:
The Self-Help Center Program provides periodic clean-up campaigns where residents are encouraged to clean-up their lots and dispose of unwanted items. Residents are informed of dates and requirements to participate in these campaigns.
Computer Lab:
The Self-Help Center Program has a computer lab equipped with 12 computers complete with high speed internet access available for colonia residents to utilize for job searches, homework assignments, online college courses or research purposes. Free Wi-Fi is available both inside and outside of the building.
Outreach:
The Self-Help Center Program distributes informational flyers to keep residents informed of ongoing and newly implemented activities. Additionally, monthly colonia meetings are held at the Self-Help Center facility and community service providers are invited to inform residents of available services in the community.
Self-Help Center Completed Projects
Project No. |
Funding Agency |
Grant
Amount |
Start
Date |
End
Date |
Rehabs Complete |
Other |
Self-Help 716043 |
TDHCA |
1,038,000 |
5/10/1997
|
5/9/1999 |
15 |
- |
Self-Help 718003 |
TDHCA |
1,111,000 |
5/10/1999
|
11/9/2002
|
- |
52 Home Improvements |
HUD Colonia
Initiatives |
HUD |
509,000 |
3/23/2001
|
12/23/2002
|
30 |
6 Room
Additions |
Computer Donation |
HUD |
54,000 |
4/23/2002
|
4/23/2003
|
- |
25
computers |
Neighborhood
Initiatives |
HUD |
1,000,000 |
1/30/2001
|
1/29/2006
|
25
Rehab |
- |
29 Plumbing
Improvements |
Self-Help 721003 |
TDHCA |
1,057,000 |
11/10/2001
|
8/9/2004 |
- |
- |
Owner Occupied
1000038 |
TDHCA
HOME |
520,000 |
9/1/2003 |
8/31/2005
|
11 |
- |
Self Help 724003 |
TDHCA |
1.2 million |
8/10/2004
|
10/31/2008
|
7 |
1 New Construction |
14 Home Improvements |
Self Help 728023
|
TDHCA |
1.2 million |
12/18/2008
|
12/18/2012
|
10 Rehabs |
4 New Home
Improvements |
2 New Construction |
21 Water
Connections |
Self Help 712003
|
TDHCA |
1.2 million |
07/26/2012
|
07/26/2016
|
5 Rehabs
11 Recons
4 New Const |
10 Home Improvements |
Self Help 7216013
|
TDHCA |
1 million |
09/01/2016
|
03/01/2021
|
3 Rehabs
9 Recons
4 New Const |
4 Clean Up Campaigns |
Self Help 7220013
|
TDHCA |
1,050,000 |
12/01/2020
|
12/01/2024
|
3 Rehabs
4 Recons
2 New Const |
4 Clean Up Campaigns 2 Model Home Plans |
|
Tool Lending Library
The SHC Tool Library is a library equipped with tools available to colonia residents to borrow at no cost to the resident. The tools must be used to improve the living condition of their home. The homeowner must follow the SHC Tool Library rules including returning all borrowed equipment in good condition and within the allotted time. Tools available at the SHC Tool Library include a variety basic tools, power tools and garden tools.
Rehabilitation
This program assists eligible homeowners with the rehabilitation of their homes. Upon completion of the housing rehabilitation project, the home will meet Colonia Housing Standards. Program requirements include income eligibility and other criteria.
Reconstruction
This program assists eligible homeowners whose homes are beyond rehabilitation repair with the reconstruction of their homes. Upon completion of the housing rehabilitation project, the home will meet International Residential Code Standards. Program requirements include income eligibility and other criteria.
New Construction
This program constructs new homes for qualifying colonia residents. Upon completion of the housing rehabilitation project, the home will meet International Residential Code Standards. Program requirements include income eligibility and other criteria.
Clean-Up Campaigns
The Self-Help Center Program provides periodic clean-up campaigns where residents are encouraged to clean-up their lots and dispose of unwanted items. Residents are informed of dates and requirements to participate in these campaigns. These clean-up efforts help to keep colonias free from accumulated debris including tires, appliances, and junk vehicles.
Staff
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Cassie Allred |
Amado Espinoza |
Ignacio Gonzalez |
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Program Administrator |
Construction Coordinator |
Program Outreach & Intake Coordinator |
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956-523-4759 |
956-523-5758 |
956-523-4757 |
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