NEISD working with COSA to help families affected financially by COVID-19

Over the past nine months, North East ISD has been proactively working with the City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services and the South Alamo Regional Alliance for Homelessness (SARAH) to handle the possible influx of newly homeless families due to COVID-19.

During this time, the evictions were halted for non-payment of rent by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This allowed residents an opportunity to look for work if needed, find support through community agencies, and ensure they had a roof over their heads.

“SARAH has brought diverse stakeholders together to ensure a coordinated, multi-sector response to the economic impact of COVID-19 as many more households face the risk of homelessness,” said SARAH Executive Director Katie Vela. “Together, we are designing a standard prevention framework to make accessing rental assistance/homeless prevention resources simpler and quicker for those in crisis.”

If your family has been financially affected by COVID-19 and worry homelessness could be your next step, there is help available.

First, you must truthfully complete the CDC Prevention of Eviction Declaration form and present it to your landlord.

For many years, the District has provided support to its homeless student population through its McKinney-Vento Homeless Project. If you have already been displaced from your residence due to loss of housing or economic hardship, please contact them to possibly qualify for homeless services and additional support for your children.

Other resources include the city’s Homeless Connections Hotline at (210) 207-1799 and the San Antonio Eviction Prevention Program-Emergency Assistance which provides rental assistance.

Even more resources can be found on the City of San Antonio COVID-19 Resource Database and the San Antonio Community Resource Directory.