Falling behind on rent is scary — but San Antonio has free programs that can help you stay housed. This 2027 guide lists the housing assistance open to San Antonio residents: the City’s Housing Assistance Program (HAP) for emergency rent and utility help, Opportunity Home’s public housing and Section 8 vouchers, and free legal aid if you’re facing eviction. Applying is always free — nobody can sell you a spot on a waitlist, and anyone asking for payment is running a scam. Each entry includes who qualifies and exactly how to apply. For a personalized plan, try our free Apply for Me program.
2027 figures: HAP amounts below are 2026 program figures (2027 caps not yet published — labeled). Federal voucher/payment figures update periodically — confirm on homesa.org.
| City of San Antonio Housing Assistance Program (HAP) | Temporary rent AND utility help for households facing hardship — 2026 figures: up to 3 months of rent (max $3,500) plus up to $1,500 in utility help; 2027 caps pending. The application portal opens monthly on the 2nd Wednesday, 1:00–2:00 PM — it fills fast, so be ready. Households at or below 80% of area median income within city limits, generally once per 12-month period. | 210-207-5910 | Apply |
| Opportunity Home San Antonio (Public Housing & Section 8) | San Antonio’s public housing agency (formerly SAHA). Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (“Section 8”) — rent is income-based, around 30% of income. Voucher waitlists open only periodically and are typically short openings; check the homepage for announcements. Applications are FREE and only accepted through official channels. | 210-477-6000 | Apply |
| Right to Counsel — Free Eviction Legal Aid | FREE attorney help for low-income San Antonio households facing eviction (City program with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid). If you’ve received an eviction notice, do not just move out — you have rights and timelines. | 210-212-3703 | Apply |
| HUD-VASH — VA Supportive Housing (veterans) | Rental voucher PLUS VA case management for homeless veterans. Entry is through VA referral, not a public waitlist. | 877-424-3838 | Apply |
All programs at a glance
- Behind on rent now: City HAP — monthly 2nd-Wednesday 1–2 PM portal opening — 210-207-5910.
- Long-term help: Opportunity Home public housing / Section 8 — 210-477-6000; watch homesa.org for waitlist openings.
- Eviction notice: Free legal aid — 210-212-3703 (don’t just move out).
- Veterans: HUD-VASH rental voucher + VA case management — 877-424-3838.
- Need options fast: Call 2-1-1 for nonprofits with current rent-assistance funding.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few questions in our free Apply for Me program and we’ll send you a personalized housing plan — rent help, utility assistance, and every program your household qualifies for right now.
