Homeowners in several Nueces County colonias could receive up to $68,000 for critical repairs, as the county seeks new state funding to expand the program.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — More help could soon be available for low to moderate-income homeowners in Nueces County colonias as officials expect nearly $900,000 in new state funding to extend a program that provides assistance for critical home repairs.

The funding would expand the Colonia Self-Help Program, which is currently helping five homeowners and is expected to assist another nine through a second round of funding.



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The current program was awarded $500,000, according to Scott Cross with the Nueces County Grant Administration. County officials have applied for an additional $890,000 award expected in December, which would support a new program beginning in 2027.

Each homeowner can receive up to $68,000 in assistance, with repairs tailored to the most critical needs of each home.

For Thelma Vargas, the assistance comes at a time when paying for major repairs on her own has become difficult.

“Now that I’m not working, it’s hard for me. I don’t have an income any more,” Vargas said.

Vargas lives in the Bluebonnet colonia near Robstown. One of her top priorities is having her home lifted to help protect it from flooding.

She said her neighborhood has experienced significant flooding in the past.

“We live in a flooding zone. The last time that it rained here, we were flooded four days. And I was still working, so I had my ex-boss pick me up at the light and I’d walk from here over there,” Vargas said.

Before retiring, Vargas said she worked on home repairs little by little. But without an income, the list of repairs continued to grow.

Now, the Colonia Self-Help Program is helping her address some of those long-standing issues.

Come Dream, Come Build (CDCB), a nonprofit organization working on the project, is handling repairs at Vargas’ home.

Dustin Brodnax, the organization’s Coastal Bend Manager, said Vargas’ repairs will include a new roof, lifting of her home to prevent flooding damage, and window repairs. The project will also address safety hazards around the home.

“Watch your step here, because this is one of the major hazards and that’s what we’re trying to avoid,” Brodnax said referring to the home’s back porch which needs a complete replacement.

Among the other repairs is an ongoing plumbing leak that has caused water to accumulate near the home and damage its foundation.

For Brodnax, the work is about more than improving homes.

“It feels great to give back to my community, and that’s the biggest part of the job that I love,” Brodnax said.

Cross said the county is looking forward to securing the additional funding to continue the program beyond June 2027 when the first round of funding ends.

Vargas said she hopes other homeowners in the area will also apply for assistance and get the opportunity to make their own much needed repairs.

“I appreciate it. I appreciate the help,” Vargas said.

Homeowners living in colonias including Bluebonnet, Cindy Park, Ja-Lin and The Ranch may also be eligible for assistance.

Those interested in applying can find more information and submit an application through the CDCB website.