County survey: 439 farmworkers responded; officials say sample not yet representative
Summary
SIPA reported results from an agricultural worker housing survey: estimated 2,908 farmworkers countywide and 439 respondents (15%). Respondents were largely Spanish speakers and preferred single-family housing; staff said additional outreach is needed to produce a representative sample.
Santa Clara County staff presented preliminary results from an agricultural worker housing needs survey and outlined outreach and next steps to expand participation.
Edgar Velasco, SIPA director, said the county estimates about 2,908 farmworkers in Santa Clara County; 439 completed the survey so far (about 15%). Responses came primarily from Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin and San Jose and were heavily Spanish-speaking; staff said most respondents identified as permanent, non-seasonal workers.
Survey findings included housing-status and preference data: 39% of respondents reported living in single-family housing, 24% reported living in homes shared by multiple families, and 15% reported dormitory-style shared living conditions; 73% of respondents said they preferred single-family housing. The top resources requested were assistance with educational services, medical information, and help applying for financial assistance. Staff conducted three translated community events and resource fairs to reach Spanish- and Chinese-speakers and partnered with organizations including United Farm Workers (UFW), CARAS and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Both the presenter and supervisors cautioned that a 15% response rate does not yet produce a representative sample; staff described outreach obstacles, including difficulty reaching seasonal H-2A workers through farm labor contractors, phone-access issues inside worksites and the importance of trusted intermediaries such as UFW. Supervisors suggested additional outreach across seasons, follow-up resource fairs, and coordination with school districts and the housing authority to ensure survey feedback closes the service loop.
The committee voted to move the items forward; staff said they will continue outreach to increase response rates and return findings as the sample grows.
Next steps: continue outreach (including paper surveys and translated materials), conduct additional resource fairs, and report back to the committee with larger samples and recommended follow-up services.
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