Resident Services Program Information

The San Marcos Housing Authority (SMHA) provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing for about 555 low-income families and individuals including the elderly and disabled. Our Resident Services Department supports several initiatives, all of which are united in the overall goals of improving the quality of life for public housing residents, reducing dependence on the welfare system, and empowering our residents to take charge of their lives and of their environment.

SMHA Resident Services Program initiatives include:

Youth Development Services

• Operating the Youth Development program, which is an after-school and summer-time drug prevention program for at-risk youth.
• Operating Teen Groups to help teenagers develop themselves and give back to the community.
• Supporting the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program through the San Marcos Police Department.
• Providing nutritious meals to low-income children three days a week through the Kid's Café, in cooperation with Grande Communications, Sac-n-Pac Food Stores, Chuck Nash Chevrolet, and the Capitol Area Food Bank.

Family Self-Sufficiency

• Offering all Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher participants the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency through effective case management, facilitation of support groups, and other direct assistance.
• Helping residents fulfill their dream of home ownership by teaching money management skills and helping them build assets.
• Connecting participants to job training and educational resources.
• Dedicating the Chapultepec Homes site to this program and facilitating an environment of community support.

 Elderly/Disabled Services

• Helping elderly and disabled individuals obtain free or low-cost prescription drugs, transportation to medical appointments, coordination of in-home services, and recreational and social activities.
• Coordinating with the San Marcos Area Food Bank to deliver life sustaining food to home-bound elderly and disabled residents in Public Housing.
• Providing referrals to other resources, including the Allen Woods Nutrition Center (Dining Room and Meals-on-Wheels) operated by Combined Community Action, Inc. and specializing in services to the elderly.

 Resident Organization

• Providing support for Resident Assemblies at each Public Housing site.
• Creating an emergency fund designed to help families when no other community resources are available.
• Coordinating with local agencies and supervising volunteer programs which serve all residents.
• Holding an annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet to recognize resident and non-resident volunteers who sacrifice their time and energy in support of Resident Services operations.

All initiatives include providing community service opportunities for residents, interns and other students from Texas State University, religious and service organizations, and other community volunteers.

For more information on any of our services, call 512-396-3364.