On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Housing Administrator Joaquin Altoro announced that more than $4 million in grants and loans will be used to repair and rehabilitate farmworker housing in Central Washington.

 

Photo: USDA's Phil Eggman
Photo: USDA's Phil Eggman
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“The funding we’re announcing today will provide safe, modern homes for those who work hard to feed our nation, while also creating jobs for tradespeople who will build and restore these homes,” Altoro said during Wednesday's announcement.

 

The grants and loans are made possible by $18 million made available via the Off-Farm Labor Housing program to support improvements to approximately 500 homes across five states.  Through this and other multifamily housing programs, the Department of Ag says it ensures farmworkers, and their families have access to safe, affordable homes in the communities where they work.

 

USDA said with these investments, property owners will have the funds to make health and safety repairs, accessibility improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and more. For example, the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee (CCWHA) will receive $4.2 million in loans and grants—the largest award from this announcement—to improve more than 100 homes across three multifamily housing projects in both Wenatchee and East Wenatchee:   

  • Heritage Glen: A 35-unit complex in East Wenatchee, built in 2001 under USDA’s Off-Farm Labor Housing Program. The project will receive $140,000 in Section 514 loan funding and $1,260,000 in Section 516 grants. Planned improvements include accessibility updates, new insulation, roofing, gutters, and repairs to asphalt and concrete. These updates will stabilize the property and extend its affordability for at least 20 years.
  • Wenatchee II Apartments: Built in 1985, this 34-unit development for farmworkers will receive $136,000 in Section 514 loans and $1,224,000 in Section 516 grants. The renovations will focus on accessibility improvements, insulation, roofing, and repairs to gutters and asphalt. These upgrades will enhance health, safety, and energy efficiency, preserving affordability for another 20+ years.
  • Washington Square: A 36-unit complex built in 1983 will receive $144,000 in loans and $1,296,000 in grants. The project will undergo accessibility updates, along with new insulation, roofing, and structural repairs, ensuring long-term stability and extending affordability for farm laborers for another 20 years. 

  

“As we make these critical investments in farmworker housing, we’re not just improving structures, but also strengthening the foundation of our rural communities,” said Helen Price Johnson, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Washington. “When farmworkers have access to safe, affordable homes, it fosters stability for their families and ensures that our agricultural economy remains robust. These projects will bring lasting benefits to both the workers, their families, and the regions they serve.” 

 

Wednesday’s announcement came one day after a simar announcement was made for Oregon.

  

In addition, USDA announced they are also accepting applications through November 18th for two programs designed to provide technical assistance that will increase or preserve affordable multifamily housing and connect residents to supportive services.  That includes:  

  • $4.9 million in grants is available for eligible nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities through the Nonprofit Transfer Technical Assistance Grant Program.
  • $2 million in grants is available for eligible nonprofits through the Farm Labor Housing Technical Assistance Grant Program. 

 

 

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