Building Hope Together

Our Community Team

Building Hope Together was formed in 2023 as a coalition of House of Neighborly Service, Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and San Antonio Time Dollar through an initiative of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. The coalition was created to address community issues in District 5. When seniors were asked what they needed most, their answer was simple: Home Repairs. In its first year, Building Hope Together repaired 20 homes. In 2024, 34 homes, and in 2025, 22 more homes were repaired.

Many of the homes were built in the 1920s, and aging structures often require essential safety updates. Some repairs were minor; a leaky faucet or toilet, a light switch, holes in floors or walls. Larger projects focused on building wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, grab bars & handrails, and exterior security lighting. For seniors on fixed incomes, even small repairs can be financially overwhelming, yet these improvements make the difference between remaining at home or facing displacement.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries provided funding for 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2026, Building Hope Together became a nonprofit and began raising funds on its own. Methodist Healthcare Ministries offered a sustainability plan that will partially fund for four additional years, ensuring stability as it grows its community partnerships and donor base.

For many seniors, their home is their only significant asset. Building Hope Together recognizes this and offers Transfer on Death Deed services, so homeowners can legally transfer ownership to loved ones after they pass. The organization also assists with Homestead Tax Exemptions, including Over-65 exemptions, helping reduce the financial burden on aging homeowners.

To qualify for assistance, seniors must be 60 years or older, own and live in their home, reside in District 5, and have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. A project manager conducts a detailed home assessment to determine which repairs are most urgent for safety and livability. The team then decides which improvements are most critical and obtains contractor estimates. Projects can range from $200 to as much as $12,000, depending on the scope of work required.