Construindo Dignidade Através da Habitação: Trabalhadores Agrícolas da Casa! Excursão de autocarro

By Nailea Gaytan

VCCF had the privilege of sponsoring in the Farmworker Housing Bus Tour hosted by Trabalhadores da Quinta da Casa! along with the Fundação Weingart, and it was a deeply meaningful experience that opened my eyes, as a VCCF marketing and communications intern, to the importance of community support for farmworkers. We all gained an insight into the lives of devoted farmworkers in Ventura County and broadened our perspective to the basic needs of our vital workers in our surrounding communities. Providing farmworkers with housing programs has and continues to impact agricultural productivity and inclusivity towards equitable housing for our farm worker community members and their families.

We began our journey at the 24-unit Rancho Verde Apartments in Saticoy, a development for farmworker households earning between 30 and 50% of the area median income. Here, we heard directly from farm workers and their families residing on the property about how safe, stable and affordable housing has made a world of difference in their lives. Their stories of resilience and hope showed the importance of having a place to call home, where families can build their futures and access essential resources like education and financial literacy workshops.

It was moving to witness the impact that quality housing can have, not just on individuals, but on the entire community. Housing sites that place workers close to their jobs, like Limoneira, help strengthen the ties between people and their work. When visiting the growing communities at Somis Ranch and the long-standing Limoneira housing in Santa Paula, we saw how the strong sense of community these housing developments offer creates spaces where families feel supported and connected.

At the 69-unit People’s Place in Santa Paula developed by People’s Self-Help Housing, the inclusion of community centers as well as providing educational programs speak volumes about the commitment to uplifting farmworker families and ensuring they have the resources to thrive.

This tour reinforced how critical it is for all of us to come together to support initiatives that provide more than just housing, but a true sense of belonging and stability for those who contribute so much to our communities. It was inspiring to hear firsthand how secure housing has allowed these families to thrive, not just in terms of stability but also in their ability to access education and community resources. Visiting all housing sites gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of affordable housing for farm workers, many of whom contribute significantly to the agricultural industry yet often live in precarious conditions. This day highlighted the vital role of organizations like Trabalhadores da Quinta da Casa! and its mission to support affordable, safe and stable housing for all farm workers and their families through advocacy and education. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about our community’s farm workers, how interconnected we are and how we can all thrive together.