November 27, 2000

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says $1.35 million in grants will be provided to encourage the development of housing for farm workers. "There is a desperate need for housing for farmworkers in many parts of the country, both permanent housing and accommodations for seasonal workers," said Glickman.

A $337,500 grant was awarded to United Migrant Opportunity Services Inc., of Milwaukee, WI. The PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation of Tucson, AZ, and Rural Community Assistance Corporation of Sacramento, CA, received grants of $506,250 each.

The grants will be used in targeted areas in 24 states to find and assist in the development of sites for new farm labor housing and the renovation of existing structures. Local, nonprofit developers and public housing authorities will be recruited to construct and manage the facilities, using USDA loans and grants. The housing efforts will be planned in consultation with local residents, governments, and non-governmental organizations.