Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Partner in Fair Housing Solutions
The Fair Housing Council Of South Texas has been a dedicated advocate for equitable housing opportunities since its founding in 1996. Our organization specializes in addressing discriminatory housing practices through comprehensive services including complaint investigation, housing counseling, legal advocacy, and community education. With decades of collective experience, our team of certified professionals works tirelessly to promote inclusive communities across 28 South Texas counties.We maintain strict compliance with federal and local fair housing laws while providing free, confidential support to housing consumers. Our expertise in navigating complex housing regulations and our commitment to ethical practices have established us as a trusted authority in the region. Through strategic partnerships and proactive outreach, we continue to expand our impact while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and client care.
Services
Complaint Investigation
Housing Counseling
Legal Advocacy
Fair Housing Training
Community Education
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer free, confidential housing discrimination complaint investigations
- Our team includes certified fair housing specialists with 25+ years experience
- We provide legal advocacy in federal housing discrimination lawsuits
- We serve 28 counties across South Texas with localized expertise
- We offer customized fair housing training programs for housing providers
Services
Complaint Investigation
Our expert investigators examine housing discrimination allegations across 28 South Texas counties. We handle cases related to rental housing, mortgage lending, and real estate transactions while maintaining strict confidentiality. Our process includes evidence collection, witness interviews, and formal reporting to ensure compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
Fair Housing Training
Customized training programs help housing providers understand federal and local fair housing requirements. Sessions cover protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and proper advertising practices. Available in-person or via Zoom, these trainings help prevent discrimination and ensure regulatory compliance for property managers and real estate professionals.
Housing Counseling
Certified counselors provide free guidance on housing rights and responsibilities. We help consumers understand fair housing laws, navigate rental agreements, and address housing discrimination issues. Our services include one-on-one consultations and resource materials to empower informed housing decisions.
Legal Advocacy
Our legal team pursues enforcement actions against housing discrimination violations. We file federal lawsuits for systemic discrimination, represent complainants in administrative proceedings, and advocate for stronger fair housing policies. This includes litigation against discriminatory practices in mortgage lending, zoning, and property management.
Community Education
We conduct outreach programs to raise awareness about fair housing rights. Our initiatives include public workshops, school presentations, and community events that educate residents about housing discrimination prevention. These efforts help create more inclusive communities through increased awareness and understanding of fair housing principles.
People
Sandra Tamez
Executive Director
Sandra Tamez leads the organization with over 20 years of experience in fair housing advocacy. She oversees strategic operations and community outreach initiatives while maintaining key partnerships with local government agencies and housing providers across South Texas.
Roxann Contreras
Enforcement Program Manager
Roxann Contreras manages housing discrimination investigations with a focus on legal compliance and policy enforcement. She coordinates testing programs and represents the organization in legal proceedings while mentoring staff on fair housing regulations and investigative techniques.
Gerardo Flores
Fair Housing Specialist II
Gerardo Flores provides expert analysis of housing discrimination cases with specialization in mortgage lending practices. He conducts detailed investigations, prepares legal documentation, and serves as a key resource for housing providers seeking compliance guidance.
Andrea Romero
Intake Specialist
Andrea Romero manages initial housing discrimination reports and client consultations. She evaluates case viability, documents complaints, and connects clients with appropriate resources while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the intake process.
Questions
What is the Fair Housing Council of South Texas' primary mission?
We work to eliminate housing discrimination and promote fair housing opportunities through education, advocacy, and legal enforcement across 28 South Texas counties.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve 28 counties including Bexar, Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces, and Webb counties, covering major South Texas regions from the Gulf Coast to the Rio Grande Valley.
What housing discrimination types do you handle?
We address all federally protected classes including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability through investigation and legal action.
How can I report housing discrimination?
Report discrimination through our website, by phone at (210) 733-3247, or by visiting our San Antonio office for a free confidential consultation with our intake specialists.
Do you offer training programs for housing providers?
Yes, we provide customizable fair housing training for property managers, real estate agents, and housing professionals covering compliance requirements and best practices.
How is your organization funded?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we receive funding through government grants, private donations, and training program fees to support our fair housing advocacy work.