Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $360,000 in federal funds to the Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio. These funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Fair Housing Initiative Program: Private Enforcement Initiative, will help provide fair housing enforcement activities in Bexar County as well as 36 additional counties across South Texas; such activities include: identifying housing discrimination complaints, conducting preliminary investigations of claims, and sending “testers” to properties suspected of practicing housing discrimination.

“No one should face discriminatory housing practices when renting a house, purchasing real estate, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage lending,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will allow the Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio to continue to promote fair housing, as well as identify and eliminate any biases based off one’s gender, race, religion, family status, national origin, or disability. With the help of organizations like the Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio, we can ensure that all individuals and families have access to equal housing.”

“As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue funding programs that protect the rights of Americans entering the housing market and holds accountable any individual or company implementing discriminatory practices. I’d like to thank Sandra Tamez, Executive Director, board members, and the rest of the staff involved in protecting the rights of those who have fallen victim to unfair treatment at any point in the housing process.”

Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio

The Fair Housing Council of Greater San Antonio is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to promoting fair housing and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in the areas of rental housing, real estate sales, mortgage lending, and homeowners’ insurance. It was founded in September 1996 by a group of concerned citizens with the assistance of the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

Fair Housing Initiatives Program: Private Enforcement Initiative

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) assists people who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination. FHIP organizations partner with HUD to help people identify government agencies that handle complaints of housing discrimination.

The Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) offers a range of assistance to the nationwide network of fair housing groups. This initiative funds non-profit fair housing organizations to carry out testing and enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices.