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USDA to Begin Accepting Applications on April 19 to Build Modern and Affordable Homes for Farmworkers

USDA to Begin Accepting Applications on April 19 to Build Modern and Affordable Homes for Farmworkers

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on April 19, 2024, for financing to build new housing that will ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern, and affordable places to live.

This funding availability follows USDA’s recent announcement inviting applications to construct, repair and modify affordable housing units for farmworkers.

Today, Under Secretary Gooden announced $48 million in available funding to construct, improve, or purchase and repair housing for farmworkers across the nation through the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program and the On-Farm Labor Housing Program.

Under the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program, USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants from nonprofits, community organizations, local governments and federally recognized tribes for new construction of housing units for farmworkers. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Under the On-Farm Labor Housing Loans Program, USDA is seeking applications from farmers for new construction and preservation of housing units for farmworkers. The Department will accept applications under this program on an on-going basis, until funds are exhausted.

USDA is particularly interested in applications that will advance Biden-Harris Administration priorities to: 

  • Reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.
  • Ensure all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD-funded projects; and
  • Help rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.

For more information about the Off-Farm Labor Housing Program, see the Federal Register.

For more information about On-Farm Labor Housing Loans, visit On-Farm Labor Housing Loans | Rural Development (usda.gov).

In the coming days, the Department expects to announce further details on workshops for stakeholders and potential applicants to learn more about these funding opportunities.

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