Friends of Field Workers collaborates on resource fair for Ventura County farmworkers

Camarillo's City Council meeting on May 28, 2025, highlighted significant developments regarding housing for farmworkers, a critical issue for the local community. The council discussed the occupancy status of a new housing project designed to support low-income farmworker families, revealing that Phase 1 of the project, which includes 200 units, is currently about 80% occupied, serving approximately 600 residents. Phase 2, consisting of an additional 160 units, has just begun to welcome new occupants, with plans to add around 25 households each month.

Council members expressed a keen interest in understanding the demographics of the residents, particularly the youth population. While specific data on youth occupancy was not immediately available, it was noted that the overall community is primarily Hispanic, with all residents qualifying as low-income farmworkers. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring that information and resources are accessible to this population, particularly in their preferred languages, which include Spanish and various Indigenous dialects.

Concerns were raised about the accessibility of application materials, as it was reported that the initial application was only available in English. This prompted discussions on the need for translations to better serve the community. The council acknowledged the efforts of local nonprofits, such as House Farm Workers, in advocating for these changes and pledged to improve communication strategies to ensure that vital information reaches all residents effectively.

As the city moves forward with these housing initiatives, the council's commitment to addressing the needs of farmworkers remains a priority, with ongoing discussions about enhancing outreach and support for this vital segment of the community.