About Us
Our Mission
CSA San Diego County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose primary mission is the promotion of social justice and public welfare through programs, services, and advocacy against all forms of discrimination, including advocacy for the eradication of housing discrimination to assure equal housing opportunity for all individuals.
CSA is committed to promoting and enforcing fair housing laws and equal housing opportunities for all individuals who live in San Diego County. Other no cost services include: hate crime prevention, civic engagement and Human Trafficking prevention and education.
2,800
Clients Served Annually
CSA currently serves 2,800 clients annually by providing rental, home buying, credit and foreclosure prevention counseling and education
120
Educational Workshops Annually
CSA San Diego County offers more than 120 educational workshops outreaching to about 1,500 individuals annually.
Our Team
Our team is comprised of dedicated volunteers, passionate staff, and a trail-blazing executive director, Estela De Los Rios. Our amazing team of HUD-Certified Housing Counselors are committed to helping individuals living in San Diego.
CSA San Diego County has been of service to San Diego County for over 50 years and is an expert in providing rental and fair housing counseling and education. Individuals in underserved communities often face discrimination and substandard housing, but do not have the resources or information to resolve it. CSA can help!
A Message From Our Executive Director
“Welcome to CSA’s website. I encourage you to explore our site and learn more about our services and our nonprofit that has been around for 50 years. I have had the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of CSA for over 12 years. In 1983, I began my career in fair housing as a housing counselor, then became a Spanish legal translator and interpreter. I joined CSA as a housing coordinator in 2001, and in 2008, I became CSA’s Executive Director. I have led the agency from it's small, humble beginnings to the vibrant community focused organization it is today. As an immigrant to this country, I truly am passionate about my work and really enjoy working for an agency that promotes equality, social justice, civic engagement, and fair housing. I have a long history in activism for social justice and fair housing and those issues are more important in today’s world. I encourage you to explore, learn and join us in our mission to promote housing opportunities for all.” – Estela De Los Rios, Executive Director
Our History
Founded in 1969, CSA San Diego County has become a leading voice in upholding and enforcing fair housing laws. All residents have a legal right to live where they choose to, free from discrimination. With decades of experience in counseling and mediating tenant/landlord disputes, we continue to fight for the rights of every citizen in our community. Fair housing is not just an option, it’s the law!
CSA’s Awards
Fair Housing Counselor Honored
CSA's senior fair housing counselor George Ibarra was honored with the 2017 RISE Award. His work has been invaluable and assisted hundreds of individuals resolve their housing issues. His work has saved homes, prevented homelessness, and helped to resolve abusive rent hikes and inhabitable homes. Through his diligent work and knowledge of resources, he has been able to assist many San Diego residents. He promotes equity and inclusion and is a fighter on the challenging front of fair housing.
Housing Recognition
CSA San Diego County receives a fair housing proclamation from the Mayor of National City, California.
Fair Housing Proclamations
Over the years CSA San Diego County has been awarded with Proclamations in celebration of the work they have achieved. It is recognized as a distinguished agency for dedicating its outmost efforts to defend the housing rights of San Diegans, for its strong collaborations with other agencies, for its excellency in community outreach, and for doing outstanding work in fair housing education to the general public.