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Community Action Agency
Address:
111 Camino Nuevo Road,
Hwy 359 Building B
Laredo, Texas 78043
Phone: 956 523-4222
Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
Closed Weekends and Holidays
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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

       
  Cassie Allred Amado Espinoza Jose Narvaez
  Cassie Allred Amado Espinoza Ignacio Gonzalez
  Program Administrator Construction Coordinator Program Outreach & Intake Coordinator
  956-523-4759 956-523-5758 956-523-4757
       
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