CES organizes low and moderate income tenants (of privately owned rental housing units including both federally subsidized and non-subsidized units) whose residences are at-risk due to slum conditions including lead hazards), proposed demolitions, proposed renovations, illegal evictions and owners' desires to opt-out of federally subsidized rental housing programs. With the explosion in the value of real estate in Southern California, the supply and quality of housing that is affordable to low-income people is at tremendous risk. There is a significant increase in landlord and developer attempts to demolish affordable housing to build luxury units or to substantially renovate existing affordable housing to gain higher rents. The L.A. Unified School District's plans to build needed new schools are targeting a substantial number of sites where affordable housing now exists. And, the aging housing stock contains toxic hazards, leading to major health problems for residents, including children.

CES educates, trains, supports and empowers tenants to take action to protect their rights, their housing and their lives, and bring tenants living in threatened affordable housing together with tenants in slum and HUD housing to create a powerful voice to preserve and create healthy, safe and decent affordable housing.