Merced Housing Texas is proud to announce that we are a recipient of the SA Climate Ready Community Action Fund’s 2023-2024 Neighborhood and Community Grant Program. This grant, provided through the Resiliency, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability (REES) Fund managed by the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability, will allow us to enhance our ongoing community sustainability projects, forge new partnerships, leverage additional funding, and deepen our engagement with underserved and vulnerable populations. 

As climate change continues to alter our weather patterns, we have seen increasingly hotter summers and unpredictable winter storms in Texas. These shifts in weather are not just environmental concerns—they directly affect the quality of life for the communities Merced serves, especially those living at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). It is critical to the health, safety, and comfort of Merced residents that we ensure our housing communities are equipped to handle these changes. 

“With the aging of the property, comes much-needed repairs and energy-efficient updates, including the replacement of these HVAC units,” says Adrienne De Santiago, Director of Asset Management at Merced. “Being granted these funds is not only a huge financial relief on a property the size and affordability of Elmhurst, but more importantly, very beneficial to the residents in receiving these replacements.” 

One of the key projects this grant will support is the replacement of outdated HVAC units—some over 20 years old—at Elmhurst Place, a Merced Community that is home to 23 families. Upgrading these units is more than just a necessary improvement; it is a critical investment in the future of our residents. Efficient HVAC systems will not only reduce energy consumption, lowering costs for residents and reducing our overall carbon footprint but will also help mitigate potential health risks associated with inadequate heating and cooling. 

“Having an updated HVAC system will lower utility costs and improve the air quality in the units for the residents, which is especially critical in our current environment,” says De Santiago. 

According to the World Health Organization, climate change affects health in numerous ways, including deaths and illnesses from increasingly frequent extreme weather events like Winter Storm Uri. It disrupts food systems and contributes to a decline in mental health wellness. Climate change undermines many of the social determinants of health, including stable livelihoods, equality and access to health care, and social support systems. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups—such as women, children, ethnic minorities, low-income communities, migrants, displaced persons, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions—are disproportionately affected by these climate-sensitive health risks. 

Climate resiliency is essential in affordable housing, where residents often face the dual burden of limited financial resources and greater vulnerability to extreme weather. By prioritizing energy-efficient upgrades and sustainability initiatives, we aim to create healthier and safer living environments for residents. Merced’s mission extends beyond providing quality, affordable housing; it includes advocating for the well-being of our communities in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. 

We are grateful for the support from the SA Climate Ready Community Action Fund and the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability. Together, we can build a more resilient future—one that ensures all residents have access to safe, sustainable, and comfortable homes. As we continue this work, we are committed to involving the communities we serve every step of the way, fostering a collaborative approach to climate resiliency that benefits everyone. 

For more information on San Antonio’s sustainability initiatives and ways to get involved, please visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/sustainability or follow the City of San Antonio Office of Sustainability on social media. 

To find out more about climate change and its effect around the world, visit the World Health Organization at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health.