San Antonio, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio & Guadalupe Valley is set to launch Pope Leo Village, a new development providing affordable homeownership for low-income families. Located on Melody Lane, the project will consist of 22 homes, with 6 specifically designated as part of Pope Leo Village. With homes sold at cost and a 0% interest mortgage, the initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and support families in achieving stable housing. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026 and be completed by the following summer.
San Antonio
Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio & Guadalupe Valley is launching a new affordable housing project called Pope Leo Village on the east side of San Antonio. The development will include a total of 22 homes, with 6 homes designated as part of Pope Leo Village, and is designed to provide permanently affordable homeownership for low-income families through homes sold at cost with a 0% interest mortgage.
Key facts up front
- Location: The project is located on Melody Lane, on the east side of San Antonio.
- Homes: A total of 22 homes will be built in the development, with 6 designated as part of Pope Leo Village.
- Size and layout: Each home will be 1,300 square feet and include three to four bedrooms.
- Affordability: Homes will be sold at cost, with a 0% interest mortgage, and monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) estimated at about $900.
- Timeline: Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026 and be completed by the following summer.
Details and supporting information
The initiative behind Pope Leo Village was inspired by an anonymous donor who wanted to honor Pope Leo while encouraging community involvement among Catholic youth. Habitat for Humanity has emphasized that the build work and homeownership opportunity are open to any qualified applicants and volunteers; Habitat for Humanity welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, to participate in building the homes.
Applicants for the homes must meet certain income guidelines and demonstrate a need and ability to pay. New homeowners will be required to complete educational classes on homeownership before taking possession. The project aims to help families escape generational poverty by offering stable, affordable mortgage terms and homeownership training.
Construction logistics are planned with efficiency in mind: homes take approximately two months to build, and the schedule anticipates breaking ground in Spring 2026 with completion by the following summer. The village name is a tribute and is intended to reflect a commitment to unity and social justice through locally anchored affordable housing.
Why this project matters locally
San Antonio’s Habitat for Humanity chapter has a long history; it is noted as the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in the world and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. The Pope Leo Village effort is positioned as part of continued local efforts to expand affordable homeownership options and to involve volunteers and donors in construction and homeowner preparation.
Practical homeowner terms
Homes will be sold at cost, with a 0% interest mortgage, and monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) estimated at about $900. Each home will be 1,300 square feet and include three to four bedrooms. A total of 22 homes will be built in the development, with 6 designated as part of Pope Leo Village. These terms are intended to lower monthly housing costs and reduce long-term financial barriers for qualifying families.
Volunteer and eligibility notes
The initiative was inspired by an anonymous donor who wanted to honor Pope Leo while encouraging community involvement among Catholic youth. Habitat for Humanity welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, to participate in building the homes. Applicants for the homes must meet certain income guidelines and demonstrate a need and ability to pay. New homeowners must complete educational classes on homeownership.
Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | Pope Leo Village |
| Location | Melody Lane, east side of San Antonio |
| Total homes | 22 |
| Homes in Pope Leo Village | 6 |
| Home size | 1,300 square feet |
| Bedrooms | Three to four bedrooms |
| Mortgage | Sold at cost with a 0% interest mortgage |
| Estimated monthly payment | About $900 (including taxes and insurance) |
| Construction start | Spring 2026 |
| Construction complete | By the following summer |
Project timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026 | Anticipated |
| Summer following Spring 2026 | Construction on the project is anticipated to be completed by the following summer | Anticipated |
| Next year | San Antonio is noted as the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in the world and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year | Noted |
| Typical build time | Homes take approximately two months to build | Estimate |
Simple visual statistics
FAQ
Where is the project located?
The project is located on Melody Lane, on the east side of San Antonio.
How many homes will be built and how many are part of Pope Leo Village?
A total of 22 homes will be built in the development, with 6 designated as part of Pope Leo Village.
What is the size and bedroom count of each home?
Each home will be 1,300 square feet and include three to four bedrooms.
What are the mortgage terms and estimated monthly payment?
Homes will be sold at cost, with a 0% interest mortgage, and monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) estimated at about $900.
When will construction begin and end?
Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026 and be completed by the following summer.
How long does it take to build a home?
Homes take approximately two months to build.
Who inspired the initiative and who can participate?
The initiative was inspired by an anonymous donor who wanted to honor Pope Leo while encouraging community involvement among Catholic youth.
Can people of any faith participate?
Habitat for Humanity welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, to participate in building the homes.
What are the applicant requirements?
Applicants for the homes must meet certain income guidelines and demonstrate a need and ability to pay.
Are there homeowner education requirements?
New homeowners must complete educational classes on homeownership.
What is the stated goal of the project?
The project aims to help families escape generational poverty.
What historic note is included about the local Habitat chapter?
San Antonio is noted as the first Habitat for Humanity chapter in the world and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Housing Market Faces Significant Challenges
PenFed Foundation Expands Veteran Entrepreneur Program to San Antonio
Rental Affordability Reaches Four-Year High
San Antonio Unveils $4 Billion Project Marvel Development
Brandon Oles Campaigns for San Marcos City Council Place 2
San Antonio Councilmember Proposes Plan for Vacant Properties
Historic Victorian Home Listed for Sale in San Antonio
Austin Launches First All-in-One Recycling Center for Construction
New Innovation Building at UTSA Enhances Downtown San Antonio
San Antonio Missions to Build New Minor League Stadium
Additional Resources
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Affordable Housing San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing San Antonio
- Fox San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Housing
- Community Impact
- Google News: San Antonio Affordable Housing
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
