May 13, 2024

Today’s Forecast

Talking affordable housing with Eric Cooper

Take a look at the planned 51-unit community located in New Braunfels, the Apple Seeds Apartments. | Renderings by Open Studio Architecture

The San Antonio Food Bank has a mission of fighting food insecurity throughout 29 counties and feeding hope. Since 1980, the organization has grown to feed 100,000 food-insecure individuals each week.

It’s latest venture? Affordable housing.

The Food Bank is expanding its mission of fighting hunger to fighting housing insecurity through its affordable housing project called the Apple Seeds Apartments, located next to its New Braunfels Food Bank branch. We sat down with the Chief Executive Officer, Eric Cooper, to talk about the new development.

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Planting stronger roots in New Braunfels

The Apple Seeds Apartments will offer programmatic housing, which allows residents to take classes like financial literacy and other topics within the property. The development will be transitional in nature, giving tenants the ability to have stable housing through 24-36 month lease options at reduced market rent rate.

Apple Seeds Apartments Two SA Food Bank — Move-in dates are scheduled for summer 2025 with future tenants being able to apply in spring 2025.
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Renderings by Open Studio Architecture

“We want families to continue their upward trajectory. Which is why the Apple Seeds Apartments is offering two to three-bedroom units for single parents or dual-parent households” said the CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, Eric Cooper.

The perfect storm

According to Cooper, this housing project is a great step towards New Braunfels expanding its nonprofit community after looking at the Alamo City’s as a goalpost. Various donors + investors expressed interest over time, until the board gave the seal of approval and it was full steam ahead

Apple Seeds Apartments Three SA Food Bank — With the added green space, the San Antonio Food Bank’s latest project aims to propel tenants to better life situations after their lease is up.
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Renderings by Open Studio Architecture

When asked how one gauges success on a project like this, the answer isn’t in dollars and cents. It’s people-powered.

“If we’re part of a residents journey to take them to a permanent housing situation or better living conditions, that’s success to me.”

Events

Monday, May 13

The Road to a Successful Move to Texas | Monday, May 13 | 9:30 a.m. | Student Engagement Center, Second Floor, Room 2051, UIW, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio | $20 | Listen to a panel of experts ranging from an immigration attorney to a licensed CPA on the best way to move to the US.
Empty the Shelters | Monday, May 13-Wednesday, May 15 | 12-6 p.m. | San Antonio Pets Alive!, San Antonio | $25 | It’s the final two days to find your next four-legged, furry best friend with discounted adoption fees.

Tuesday, May 14

Cultura Y Revolución Restoration Volunteer Paint Day | Tuesday, May 14 | 4-5 p.m. | Trinity Convenience Store, 1013 S. Trinity St., San Antonio | Free | Help the San Antonio Cultural Arts restore a mural with no painting experience needed.
MarioKart Tournament | Tuesday, May 14 | 5:30 p.m. | Bibliotech South, 3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio | Free | Choose your player wisely at this bi-monthly video game tournament open to all ages and includes prizes.

1,000+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Announced

The Tobin Center announced its lineup of shows for the 2024-2025 Frost Signature Series. Get ready to see live entertainment like “Shrek the Musical,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Ain’t Too Proud,” and “Addams Family the Musical.” Build your own custom show package or get a full one with two additional shows.

Civic

The City of San Antonio is asking residents to share their voice about the upcoming 2025-2026 budget revision. San Antonians have until Friday, May 31 to fill out the survey. Residents are invited to learn more about the budget revision and management process.

Closed

Thai Taste on San Antonio’s northwest side has temporarily closed. In a Facebook post, the establishment thanked its customers for 29 years of “love, support, and patronage.” The owners are hopeful it will reopen in the future as it explores different options for the restaurant.

Drink

Indy Coffee Club is turning 10 on Saturday, May 18. To celebrate the milestone, it’s collaborating with New York City-based roaster, Parlor Coffee, for an exclusive Colombia El Carmen coffee roast. Stop by Indy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for celebratory merch, historical photos, and your favorite latte.

Outdoors

Speaking of parties. Celebrate the San Antonio Zoo’s 110th birthday today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring $11 general admission tickets. The party is sure to be a roar with DJ Mayhem, animal encounters, free cupcakes, and a birthday sing-along.

Sports

Could Rico Dowdle be the next starting running back for the Cowboys? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Job

Community health workers help people and our community achieve whole health + wellbeing. Metro Health connects applicants with resources to be trained for this one-of-a-kind workforce. More than a job, start a career in public health as a community health worker and make a difference in San Antonio — learn more.*

Biz

What are people delegating? Getting to inbox zero, calendar management, travel, cold calls, leveraging AI, managing CRMs, expense reports, returns, waiting on customer service calls, household management, and much more. With Athena, you can achieve more time, freedom, success, and impact. See how to score a $1,500 credit.*

Community

Take me to the stars

Help protect our night sky by decreasing light pollution in our communities. | Photo by Frederick Gonzales

Did you know Fredericksburg became an official Dark Sky City in 2020? This had us thinking, “what is a Dark Sky City and what would it take for San Antonio to become certified?” We’re here to break down the process + learn from our Hill Country neighbors on how to reduce our city’s light pollution and better see the stars.

What is a Dark Sky City?

The International Dark Sky Places was founded in 2001 to encourage communities, parks, reserves, and sanctuaries around the world to preserve + protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.

Texas proudly has its own chapter, with 22 parks and cities. Here’s our closest Dark Sky-certified neighbors:

City of Fredericksburg
City of Blanco
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Dark Sky City requirements

Asked

Do you think San Antonio can become a Dark Sky City?

A. With the proper work, absolutely.
B. No, we have too much light pollution already

Give a sky high answer

The Buy

Apple pie made easy. We’re celebrating National Apple Pie Day by warming up some of this Apple Pie Jam from Adams Apple Co. with a little bit of ice cream.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicholas

From the editor

It was a pleasure to talk to with the CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, Eric Cooper. My hope for this story is that it will inspire other business leaders in the greater San Antonio area to create more affordable housing projects that uplift communities.

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