REHABARAMA is a housing preservation program focused on prolonging the useful life of San Antonio's older housing stock.
Approximately 25% of San Antonio's existing housing was constructed prior to 1960. Our older housing stock provides a higher proportion of “naturally occurring” affordable housing that remains largely unsubsidized and unprotected. These existing units are at risk of demolition due to deferred maintenance, vacancy, or as a result of local code enforcement programs. Prioritizing repair and maintenance programs for our older housing stock is supported by the City's Strategic Housing Implementation Plan as an environmentally and economically sustainable method of of housing preservation. Read the Opportunity at Risk Study Here!
Administered by the Office of Historic Preservation, REHABARAMA focuses on building the hands-on preservation trades and emphasizes retention and preservation of original building materials and architectural character. Qualified participants are eligible to receive assistance with home repair and maintenance projects focused on prolonging the useful life of the home and maintaining a living environment that is safe, dry, and warm. Projects include partial home rehabilitation to address building envelope, structural, or property maintenance code issues such as foundation or skirting repair, structural reinforcement, siding repair, window repair and weatherization, or porch repair.
The program goals include:
Preserve historic and aging housing stock to allow for aging in place & generational wealth
Leverage volunteer and sponsor contributions to expand value of projects
Integrate trades education and learning opportunities
In the spirit of grass-roots preservation, the REHABARAMA Program includes a single-day, service event that showcases the power that preservation has in supporting and sustaining communities. REHABARAMA events bring together local contractors, volunteer groups, students, and sponsors to accomplish exterior work such as painting and minor repairs to enhance the results of the program. By providing much needed repair and maintenance work, volunteers have the opportunity to help a neighbor in need and experience the rewarding, visible impacts from a hard day’s work. Check back here for event details!
Private contributions are still needed to support the event and provide much needed supplies and resources for our volunteers. Donate today to be a part of this transformative project and provide service to long-term San Antonio residents in need!