Press Contact:
Laura Diaz, Fair Housing Community Outreach Coordinator
669.213.6053 | ldiaz@housing.org
13 nov 2025
Santa Clara, CA ─ With recent staffing reductions and federal funding uncertainty at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including within its Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Project Sentinel reaffirms its strong fair housing team and mission: to make sure that every Northern Californian can live free of housing discrimination. The federal government shutdown only steels our resolve.
Fair housing isn’t just policy ─ it’s people. It’s a family being denied a home because they have children. It’s a veteran with a disability who has the needed accommodation. It’s a survivor of domestic abuse facing eviction for the abuser’s actions. Fair housing means protecting their rights ─ and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity at a safe, affordable home.
Fair Housing by the Numbers
According to the National Fair Housing Alliance’s 2023 Fair Housing Trends Report, a record 34,150 fair housing complaints were filed nationwide. California led the nation with 8,667 cases, accounting for a quarter of all complaints. And who handled most of them? Nonprofit fair housing agencies like Project Sentinel, which processed over 75% of cases. Fair housing complaints have risen for the last 3 years in a row and are now at the highest level ever.
“Fair housing protections don’t stop when budgets change,” said Carole Conn, Executive Director of Project Sentinel. “Our team continues to serve as a vital resource for tenants and housing providers, helping to resolve complaints, educate the public, and promote fairness to empower our communities.”
Local Commitment, Unshakeable Resolve
For over 50 years, Project Sentinel has operated as an independent nonprofit agency offering free services to individuals and families across Northern California communities. From testing, investigation, and enforcement actions to counseling, education, and outreach. Project Sentinel is where people turn into advocates for their fair housing protections. “We know federal changes can create uncertainty,” added Elizabeth Sanchez, Fair Housing Director of Project Sentinel. “But residents should know they are not alone. We’ve been part of this community for decades, listening, guiding, and acting when needed.”
Let’s Keep Fair Housing Strong
The fight is here to stay. To help us serve more people in need, consider donating to help a family with children secure a safe home, a person with disabilities receive needed accommodation, or a survivor of domestic violence rebuild their lives.
DONATE - Help us reach our 2025 Fair Housing fundraising goal!
Anyone who believes they’ve faced housing discrimination can reach Project Sentinel for free, confidential help at (800) 339-6043 or online at www.housing.org.
To request a Fair Housing Rights Workshop, email ldiaz@housing.org. For resources, educational materials, or event information, visit www.housing.org or follow Project Sentinel on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or BlueSky.