State grant opens door to housing for South Bay farmworkers - San Jose Spotlight

"Our farmworkers deserve to have as many investments and solutions possible for them to thrive in Santa Clara County. I have advocated passionately for housing solutions for our farmworkers - including championing the county's comprehensive farmworker housing work plan. The $2.2 million secured through the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program will ensure that our farmworkers have real pathways to building long-term stability for their families and ultimately becoming first-time homeowners."

"Farmworkers have faced a shortage of affordable housing, often living in overcrowded and substandard conditions, according to a county survey conducted in 2014. The county's latest housing survey last fiscal year found the majority of respondents said they preferred to have their own home. Of the 439 people surveyed, 39% lived in their own home, 24% said they were living in a home with other families and 15% lived in shared dormitory spa"

Santa Clara County received a $2.2 million grant from California's Farmworker Housing Grant program to assist low-income, first-time homebuyers in purchasing manufactured homes. The program will offer qualified households loans of up to $200,000 to support home ownership. Approximately 3,000 farmworkers in the county contribute nearly $390 million to the local economy through agricultural employment, which generates about 3,910 jobs annually and is projected to grow 2.6% by 2030. Farmworkers have historically faced severe housing shortages, often living in overcrowded and substandard conditions. County surveys indicate most farmworkers prefer homeownership, with only 39% currently owning homes while others share housing with multiple families or live in dormitory-style accommodations. This initiative aims to provide pathways to long-term stability and homeownership for this essential workforce.

Read at San Jose Spotlight