SOLEDAD — Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has announced that the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA) will receive $1.32 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a combination of a grant and a low-cost federal loan to rehabilitate affordable housing for farmworkers in Soledad.
“The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation, and they deserve to have safe living spaces,” said Rep. Lofgren. “This federal funding will importantly help improve existing housing infrastructure in the ‘Salad Bowl of America,’ where so much fresh produce is grown. I remain committed to addressing the housing needs in our community — whether in Soledad, other areas of the Salinas Valley or anywhere in CA-18 — and I will continue to support efforts that help uplift and protect farmworkers everywhere.”
CHISPA will receive a grant of $1,188,000 and a loan of $132,000 to make needed improvements at the Soledad Townhomes, a multifamily housing complex with more than 30 units. This project consists of 10 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom units.
This funding comes from the USDA’s Off-Farm Labor Housing Program, which supports housing development projects for migrant and seasonal domestic farm laborers. The USDA grant was provided by the FY24 consolidated appropriations package that Rep. Lofgren voted in favor of.
So I guess farm workers are the only ones in need of housing assistance. We need it for more people especially when it comes to our children,seniors, disabled,most importantly. Field workers get a decent pay, unlike the past years. When are state and city officials going to realize this ,stop being lazy and actually do something about our housing crisis, besides othe important issues, that unfortunately for our citizens have slept in it.