KENNEWICK, WASH – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden announced in April that the USDA is accepting applications for financing to build new housing, aiding local farms and businesses to remain competitive while enhancing the lives of working families.
This initiative aims to ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern and affordable living spaces.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to ensuring that all rural and Tribal communities can access federal funds to advance local priorities and create better futures,” Gooden said. “The funding we’re announcing today will bring new jobs and address a critical need here in the Pacific Northwest and across the country to build new, modern homes for farmworkers and their families.”
Gooden announced $48 million in available funding to construct, improve, or purchase and repairhousing for farmworkers across the nation through the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program and the On-Farm Labor Housing Program. This funding availability follows USDA’s recent announcement inviting applications to construct, repair and modify affordable housing units for farmworkers.
**Background:** Under the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program, USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants from nonprofits, community organizations, local governments, and federally recognized tribes for new construction of housing units for farmworkers. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at noon ET. Under the On-Farm Labor Housing Loans Program, USDA is seeking applications from farmers for new construction and preservation of housing units for farmworkers. The Department will accept applications under this program on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.
For more information about USDA Rural Development, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Source: USDA