Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is now accepting applications for the Vermont Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program. The program allows farm owners to make repairs and improvements to their farmworker housing to help improve the health and welfare of the farm workforce. The application deadline is April 29.
A 2021 report commissioned by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) estimates that there are around 600 dwellings housing about 2,000 hired farmworkers in Vermont, with the majority based in Addison, Franklin and Orleans Counties.
Although no common quality standard or systematic evaluation of farmworker housing in the state is available, the report noted significant reported issues, including noise, overcrowding, cleanliness, lack of access to water and bathrooms, temperature control and safety. Over half of the workers living in housing on farms are migrant workers. In addition to receiving low wages and experiencing difficult working conditions, many face language barriers and lack the required authorizations to work in the US, making it very difficult for them to effectively advocate for better living conditions.
At the same time, Vermont farm owners face significant economic uncertainty, and often lack the funding to make significant repairs to farmworker housing. However, the VHCB report estimated that 63% of farm worker dwellings could be rehabilitated with small or moderate projects costing less than $50,000. Farmers surveyed for the report were generally receptive to making improvements if they were given access to grants or low interest loans and had access to technical support.
The Farmworker Housing Repair Loan Program can help both farmers and farm workers by offering farmers zero percent loans of up to $30,000 for repairs and improvements. The loans can be forgiven over a period of 10 years as long as the improved housing continues to be maintained and used for farmworker housing. Eligible improvements can include wastewater systems, air sealing and insulation, noise mitigation measures, overcrowding relief, food prep and storage improvements, mold remediation, electrical and plumbing upgrades and roof replacements. Support will be provided for farmers and farmworkers through UVM Extension.
More eligibility information and application materials are available on CHT’s website. Applications are due April 29, 2022, after which applications will be accepted on a rolling basis depending on funding availability.