The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has awarded a grant to San Mateo County to boost efforts to build affordable housing for local farmworkers and their families, supporting one of the most vulnerable sectors of the community.
“There are few communities more affected by rising housing costs than farmworkers,” said Priscilla Chan, co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. “This project will help add more safe and affordable housing options for farmworkers and their families in Half Moon Bay, and we hope it will be a catalyst for similar investments throughout the region.”
This assistance comes in addition to the county's work with the city of Half Moon Bay, farmworker advocates, farmers and others to build more housing and modernize existing ones.
The $1 million grant will support efforts to build new housing at 880 Stone Pine Road, a city-owned site south of Highway 92, about a half-mile east of Highway 1.
This seeks to offer housing at below-market prices to low-income farmworkers and those who, along with their families, were displaced by the January mass shooting that killed seven farmworkers in Half Moon Bay.
That tragedy raised awareness about living conditions among workers who are vital to the county's $100 million agricultural industry.
“We are grateful for the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative that will help the county provide this vital affordable housing for farmworkers,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose District 3 encompasses much of the county's farmland.
?Our mission is to provide affordable housing and increase the quality of life for essential workers and vulnerable populations on the coast and throughout San Mateo County, and we are fortunate to have the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's continued partnership with the county. to achieve this objective?, he added.
In June, the state announced that the county received a $5 million Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant to support efforts.
?Access to affordable housing is crucial for social inclusion and alleviating poverty. Does it ensure that people from diverse backgrounds, including low-income farmworkers, have a place in the community? said Iliana Rodríguez, assistant county executive who leads local staff housing efforts.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society's toughest challenges, from eradicating disease and improving education to addressing the needs of local communities.
You may be interested in: San Mateo County Supervisors Increase Funding for Emergency Rental Program
