The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve a $2.2 million grant from the State of California that will enable the County to create homeownership opportunities for low-income agricultural workers.
The grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will fund deferred-payment loans to households that include agricultural workers, who are a vital part of the South County community and economy.
The funds from the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Grant Program advance the County’s goals of increasing homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and supporting Santa Clara County agriculture and its workforce. A thriving agricultural industry improves quality of life for residents and enhances the region’s sustainability and climate resilience.
"Not only do our farmworkers deserve safe and stable housing – they deserve real pathways to becoming first-time homeowners. Since the start of my term, I have prioritized our farmworkers by advancing our Agricultural Worker Housing Workplan, partnering with Assemblywoman Gail Pellerin on AB 3035 to streamline the development of agricultural worker housing, and more," said Board of Supervisors Vice President Sylvia Arenas, who represents District 1, including South County. "I am so grateful to the Office of Supportive Housing for centering this work by successfully securing funding through the Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program. With this funding, our farm workers will have real opportunities to become homeowners and build long-term stability for their families."
Source : santaclaracounty.gov