District 5 Councilmember Hosts Fair Housing Month Press Conference

Published on March 31, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (March 31, 2026) – Yesterday, Councilmember Teri Castillo gathered alongside community members, advocates, and public housing residents, to raise awareness about the challenges facing public housing and to call for sustained action to protect one of the city’s most critical affordable housing resources. The Councilmember issued the statement below.

“This gathering comes at a pivotal moment, as many residents face growing uncertainty about the future of their homes. Public housing has long served as a lifeline for working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, providing stability in a city where the cost of living continues to rise. Yet, that stability is increasingly at risk.

“Across San Antonio, residents are confronting the pressures of potential displacement, privatization efforts, and federal policies that threaten to shift public housing into less secure models. These changes can lead to reduced tenant protections, diminished community control, and long-term affordability concerns. For many families, this is not just about housing policy, it is about preserving their homes, their neighborhoods, and their sense of security.

“We gathered because our community deserves to be heard. Public housing is not just a program, it is a promise. A promise that people, regardless of income, have access to safe and stable housing. Right now, that promise is being tested.

“The speakers at yesterday’s press conference highlighted the lived experiences of residents who rely on public housing and emphasized the importance of keeping these communities intact. They also underscored the need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with residents before any major changes are made.

“While the challenges are significant, the gathering was also a powerful reminder of community resilience. Residents, organizers, and allies stood together to affirm that the fight for housing justice is far from over.

“Community leaders are calling on local, state, and federal partners to prioritize the preservation of public housing, strengthen tenant protections, and invest in solutions that keep housing truly affordable for generations to come.

“This gathering is not an end, but a continuation, a commitment to ensuring that every resident has a place to call home and a voice in shaping the future of their community.”