Farmworkers in Kern County could soon have another option for housing. FM89’s Ezra David Romero reports on the USDA’s effort to give the people who pick the nation's produce better homes.
In a move to provide farmworkers with safe and reliable living situations the USDA Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program recently provided $26 million in funding to groups across the country.
Six million will go to help build two apartment communities in Bakersfield and McFarland. Janice Waddell, the USDA California Director for Rural Development, says the 126 apartments will all have net zero energy technology and water saving irrigation.
“They are producing all the energy they need to use on site," says Waddell. "In a similar project we have the residents have a bill each month of only about $5.”
Waddel says the funds will also help with rental assistance so tenants won’t have to pay more than 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities.
“Quality affordable housing is the bedrock of a community and it gives them a really secure place to go from there," Waddel adds.
The complexes should be finished in a couple years. They’ll have computer labs, sports parks, and oversized parking garages. Four other projects around the state also received funding.
California Recipients:
- Mutual Housing of California - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 39 affordable apartments in Woodland, Calif.
- The Community Revitalization and Development Corporation - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 58 affordable apartments in Bakersfield, Calif.
- Corporation for Better Housing, LP - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 72 affordable apartments in Ukiah, Calif.
- Corporation for Better Housing - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 68 affordable apartments in McFarland, Calif.
- Corporation for Better Housing - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 64 affordable apartments in Greenfield, Calif.
- Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation - $3 million loan. Funds will be used to develop 60 affordable apartments in Calexico, Calif.
