Southern Oregon was devastated by unprecedented wildfires on September 8, 2020. The Almeda and Obenchain Fires turned thousands of homes to piles of ash. Our Family Farms quickly launched the Farmworker Housing Fund campaign to help with the overwhelming need to get our agricultural workers rehoused.
With the outpouring of support of generous donors from around southern Oregon and around the world, the campaign raised over $347,000. In November of 2020, 47 seed grants were awarded to farmworker families to help them with their immediate housing needs.
The remainder of the funds were reserved to support a long term, sustainable, affordable housing solution for farmworkers in the Rogue Valley. These funds have been used to create a Homeownership Matched Savings Program. The program is specifically designed to assist agricultural families impacted by the Almeda Fire attain homeownership. Eligible participants will be required to save $2,125 within 24 months. In return, they will earn a matching amount of $21,250 to be used towards the purchase of a home. Participants will also receive comprehensive financial education and support to help them meet their savings objectives.
To Learn more and apply, contact Celinés at Coalición Fortaleza.
