(256) Migrant Center Fund

The San Benito County Migrant Center provides subsidized housing to migrant agricultural working families. There are a total of 67 housing units which house approximately 250 individuals and 85 children.  The Migrant Center is in operation from April to December.  The purpose of the Migrant Center is to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable seasonal housing and supportive services for migrant farmworker families during the peak harvest season.

STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS

• Operational Development & Excellence
• Community Engagement
• Healthy & Safe Communities

Due to the nature of the funding, the Migrant Center division's operation and program funding are recorded in a separate special revenue fund 256. Two divisions exist within fund 256:

(3025) - Migrant Camp Administration

(3030) - Migrant Labor Camp

• The successful partnership with South Valley Internet resulted in a $1.8 million grant to bring high-speed internet to the Migrant Center. This includes the Labor Camp (FLA), the migrant family homes, the Home-key homes, and Mobile Home Site managed by CSDC.  As a result, the families now have access to the internet, which will help school-age children to complete homework assignments and projects. Additionally, families will receive free internet and TV services for five years.  This initiative is a prime example of how public and private partnerships can lead to more efficient and impactful solutions. It will significantly improve the quality of life for migrant farm workers and their families, ensuring they have the tools they need for education and communication.

• Continued to successfully manage the Migrant Center for over 40 years.
• Installed security cameras which add an extra layer of safety and security to the Migrant Center office and the families.  Additional cameras will be installed throughout the facility to further enhance security by the end of this fiscal year.

• There is a need for a childcare facility and afterschool services onsite, and a multi-purpose room for events and activities.

• Secure funding to build a multi-purpose facility for residents, which can be used for meetings, daycare, and after school activities.
• Secure additional funding to hire another year-round part-time maintenance worker.
• Make use of the existing vacant home by converting it into a space that benefits migrant families. This could include options like daycare, tutoring center, or computer lab, or the home could be made available for migrant families to live in.
• There is a significant need to build more housing units for migrant seasonal farm worker families, with a goal of adding at least 50 new units.