Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan 2021-2023 House Farm Workers! built support for a countywide farmworker housing study through the process of updating the 2021-2029 Housing Elements of the General Plan. Guide to Advocacy for Farm Worker Housing in 6th Cycle Housing Elements – House Farm Workers! The County of Ventura was the first supporter of the plan and suggested an active partnership role with HFW!, especially to coordinate the study effort with the ten incorporated cities in the county. The study seeks to give a voice to the County’s estimated 36,000 farmworkers, shining a light specifically on local housing needs for this vulnerable yet essential population. The last time a farmworker housing study was completed was nearly 20 years ago in 2002. The Countywide Farmworker Housing Study will seek to better understand where our farmworker community lives, what percentage are permanent full-time workers, how many are here alone or with their families, and other critical questions to help inform future advocacy efforts, policies, and targeted programs that address critical farmworker housing needs, while also supporting agricultural businesses with a stable and healthy workforce. HFW! received a $50,000 grant awarded by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in 2022 to support the initial phase of project management and organizing the survey of farmworkers and agricultural employers. In 2023, the University of California Thelma Hansen Fund awarded HFW! a grant of $25,000 for the next phase. The County of Ventura committed State grant funds, as well as organizing proportional contributions by each of the ten cities in the county. The County’s support of this study demonstrates its commitment to understanding more about this essential population living and working within our communities. Our project partner, the County of Ventura, is maintaining a project page that includes the details of phases, funding, and ways to get involved with the Ventura County Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan: https://vcrma.org/vc-farmworker-housing-study Proposals for phases 2 and 3 of the Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan were due by March 15, 2022 and can no longer be submitted. Phase 4: The County of Ventura and co-applicant HFW! received a grant from SCAG for Phases 4 and 5 of the project. Thank you to our partners at SCAG, who have approved our SCP CEEEJ funding award of $499,991.00. This award was funded through REAP 2.0 grants for Housing and Land Use Strategies projects. We are excited to kick off our transformative project – Farmworker Housing Study and Action Plan! Click the link below to learn more: https://scag.ca.gov/news/scag-awards-more-12-million-innovative-approacheshousing-and-climate-adaptation Farmworker Housing Study Advisory Council (FHSAC) In the fall of 2021, HFW! formed the FHSAC with over 40 diverse community members from agencies and stakeholders in Ventura County FHSAC Scope of Work- Provide input for Survey Consultant RFP Review and comment on RFP Review and evaluate proposals by potential Survey Consultants Review survey drafts prepared by Consultant Review proposed survey methodology and communications plan Provide input for Study Consultant RFP Review and evaluate proposals by potential Study Consultants Review draft Study The Farmworker Housing Study Coordinating Committee is in charge of coordinating the FHSAC meetings, providing meeting materials, and facilitating the council meetings. The members are as follows: Dave Ward, AICP, Director of Planning, County of Ventura Debbie Jackson, Brokaw – Jackson Consulting Ellen Brokaw, House Farm Workers! Treasurer, Chair of the Board, Brokaw Ranch Company Gabrielle Vignone, House Farm Workers! Executive Director Jennifer Coile, House Farm Workers! Strategic Advisor Ruchita Kadakia, LEEP AP, Planning Manager, Housing and State Mandates, County of Ventura To learn more: To subscribe to a project email list for updates, and for more information, please visit our project partner’s site at: https://vcrma.org/vc-farmworker-housing-study Please view our current Press Release here: https://housefarmworkers.org/blog/