Press Releases

SALINAS, Calif.- In a press conference held today, the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey (HACM), with the help of Congressman Sam Farr, Assemblymember Simon Salinas, Supervisor Lindley, Board Chairman Mike Nichols and Program Manager of the Office of Migrant Services and Joe Serna Farm Worker Housing Grants Programs Pat Dyas, officially announced the renovation completion of the Salinas and Chualar Farm Labor Housing Centers. The $1.9 million modernization project upgraded 86 units, ranging from two to four bedrooms in size. Funding was provided by a combination of grants under the State funded Joe Serna Farmworker Program, low-interest loans from USDA Rural Development and the Housing Authority's own project reserves.

To qualify for Farm labor housing, applicants must be a legal permanent resident or citizen of the United States and meet the household income requirements of earning a minimum of $3,835 per year in the agriculture or fishing industry. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm labor is defined as "a person employed by a producer or producer owned co-op engaged in the production or handling of an agricultural commodity under control of the producer and its unprocessed/unmanufactured state."

Jim Nakashima, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey stated, "We are elated that our Board of Commissioners and distinguished honored guests were able to be here today to celebrate and recognize the hard work and time that went in to the renovation of these sites. We look forward to continuing to provide affordable housing opportunities for the Monterey County community."

The HACM provides a variety of housing and services to low and moderate income residents of Monterey County. Actively involved in a variety of collaborative efforts to address welfare reform and develop affordable housing across a range of incomes within the County of Monterey, the Housing Authority promotes the goals of economic development, self-sufficiency, family unification and community empowerment.

For more information about the HACM visit www.hamonterey.org or call 831.775.5000.