Texas Bootstrap Loan Program through Colonia Self-Help Centers

How it works

The Texas Bootstrap Loan Program assists very low-income “Owner-Builder” households with purchasing or refinancing property for self-help construction. The program is part of TDHCA’s Office of Colonia Initiatives.

What the money covers

Assistance is for self-help construction, including the purchase or refinance of property tied to that construction. The page says owner-builders use the program for self-help construction and that the local centers oversee self-help construction.

Amounts and terms

The loans are 0%-interest loans of up to $45,000.

Local delivery

State-certified nonprofit owner-builder housing providers or Colonia Self-Help Centers originate the loans. The page also says Colonia Self-Help Centers provide on-site technical assistance in housing, community development activities, infrastructure improvements, outreach, and education.

Geographic coverage

The page says Colonia Self-Help Centers are established in Cameron/Willacy, El Paso, Hidalgo, Starr, and Webb counties, and that two additional centers have opened in Maverick and Val Verde County. Five colonias in each county receive on-site technical assistance.

Contact information

For Texas Bootstrap Loan Program information, the page lists Luis Diaz at luis.diaz@tdhca.state.tx.us. A toll-free hotline, 1-800-525-0657, is also provided for consumer information and concerns.