Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

Office of Colonia Initiatives

Program Descriptions

Colonias Self-Help Centers Program

Program is a legislative directive to establish Colonia SHCs in Cameron/Willacy, El Paso, Hidalgo, Starr, and Webb counties. Two additional centers have opened in Maverick and Val Verde County. Five colonias in each county receive on-site technical assistance to low- and very low-income individuals and families in a variety of ways including housing, community development activities, infrastructure improvements, outreach, and education. SHCs are operated by a local nonprofit organization, local community action agency, or local housing authority that has demonstrated the ability to carry out the functions of a SHC.

Texas Bootstrap Loan Program

The Texas Bootstrap Loan Program assists very low-income “Owner-Builder” households (no more than 60% Area Median Income) to purchase or refinance property for self-help construction. Assistance is in the form of 0%-interest loans of up to $45,000. State-certified Nonprofit Owner-Builder Housing Providers or Colonia Self-Help Centers originate the Bootstrap loans and oversee self-help construction. All Owner-Builders are required to provide at least 65% of the labor necessary to build or rehabilitate their housing.

Consumer Information Resources

The toll free 800 hot-line 1-800-525-0657 is available to voice concerns or request information.

For Colonia Self-Help Center information, please contact Albert Alvidrez at albert.alvidrez@tdhca.state.tx.us.

For Texas Bootstrap Loan Program information, please contact Luis Diaz at luis.diaz@tdhca.state.tx.us.

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