Habitat for Humanity is launching Pope Leo Village in San Antonio to build affordable homes for low-income families.
SAN ANTONIO — A new affordable housing project on the east side is set to honor the legacy of the first American-born pope. Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio & Guadalupe Valley is launching a new project called Pope Leo Village, which will be part of its latest development on Melody Lane.
The organization gave KENS 5 a tour of the future site, where 22 homes will eventually be built. Six of those homes will be designated as part of Pope Leo Village, named in tribute to Pope Leo, a figure known for his commitment to unity and social justice.
“We are at Melody Lane, which is Habitat’s newest community on the east side of San Antonio,” said Stephanie Wiese, chief development officer for Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio.
The 1,300-square-foot homes will feature three to four bedrooms and are designed to be affordable for low-income families. Each home will be sold at cost with a 0% interest mortgage. The non-profit said monthly payments, including taxes and insurance, will be about $900.
“We will sell them the home on a zero percent interest mortgage,” Wiese said. “Habitat doesn’t profit from the transaction.”
The idea for Pope Leo Village came from an anonymous donor, who wanted to honor the pope by supporting Habitat’s mission and encouraging community involvement, particularly among Catholic youth.
“The anonymous donor wants youth to be involved in this build,” Wiese said. “Habitat is a Christian-based organization, but whether folks have faith or no faith, they are all welcome at the table to help build these houses.”
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with homes completed by next summer. Wiese said the home takes about two months to build.
Applicants for the homes must meet income guidelines and demonstrate need and ability to pay. New homeowners will also be required to complete education classes on homeownership.
“This is a true stepping point for a family to get out of generational poverty,” Wiese said.
San Antonio was the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in the world and next year it will be celebrating 50 years.
To learn more about how to volunteer or donate to the Pope Leo Village project, click here.
