Pope Leo Village rises as a beacon of hope in San Antonio, offering affordable homes to families through community-driven efforts, fostering stability and unity.
SAN ANTONIO — Walls are going up on the city’s east side as part of a new affordable housing community known as Pope Leo Village, an effort led by Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio and Guadalupe Valley.
The eight-home development is named in honor of Pope Leo XIV and aims to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to families while strengthening community involvement.
Inside one of unfinished houses off Melody Lane, are handwritten messages of faith and encouragement that cover the unfinished walls. They are notes left behind by volunteers and future homeowners.
“Just imagining the kids out here running around, it is very exciting. I can’t wait,” said Lidia Hipolito, a mother of three who is helping build the home her family will soon move into.
Hipolito recently joined nearly 200 volunteers to begin construction on the homes. She said she has helped with insulation and painting.
“It is a huge opportunity that honestly, with today’s house prices, gives us hope,” she said.
Chief Development Officer Stephanie Wiese said the project take a village.
“This will help a family have a very permanent start to their lives,” Wiese said. “We know there are families who have a need for affordable homeownership. And that’s all that we are doing, coming together as a community.”
The approximately 1,300-square-foot homes will feature three to four bedrooms. Each will be sold at cost and financed through a zero-percent interest mortgage. The nonprofit says it costs about $150,000 to build each house, and fundraising efforts are ongoing.
“One hundred percent of that money will actually go into these houses,” Wiese said. “So, lots of need. This house costs us about $150,000 to build.”
For Hipolito, the impact goes beyond the price tag.
“Stability and a peace of mind,” she said.
San Antonio was home to the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in the world and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The organization’s goal is to build 52 homes. A dedication ceremony for Pope Leo Village is scheduled for April.
If you would like to learn more about this project, including fundraising or volunteering, click here.