Help for agricultural workers

Last updated September 23, 2021 at 10:54 AM

Housing for the Harvest is a program that offers services to agricultural workers who need to isolate due to COVID-19. It helps positive or exposed workers protect their loved ones and coworkers by supporting them as they self-isolate.

On this page:

How the program works 

Farm and food processing workers play an essential role in maintaining our food supply. But some who need to self-isolate are finding it difficult due to their housing situation.

The State offers in-home quarantine support in participating counties for workers who need to self-isolate for up to 14 days. The State coordinates with local administrators who manage the program.

Local administrators:

  • Serve as primary point of contact with workers who need to self-isolate 
  • Verify participant eligibility
  • Provide services including transportation, meals, and wellness checks
  • Ensure services are provided in the participant’s language
  • Collect data required for FEMA reimbursement, and
  • Provide financial assistance for those quarantining.

Some local administrators also offer hotel quarantine options.

Local administrators are identified in coordination with the State government. They may be a county or city agency, tribe, non-profit organization, or a philanthropic organization.  

Who qualifies

Participants must meet these criteria:

  • Work in California food processing or agriculture  
  • Meet FEMA non-congregate sheltering criteria for COVID-19: 
    • Have tested positive, or 
    • Been exposed as documented by a public health official or medical health professional
  • Need support to isolate at home 

How to get help

Participate in Housing for the Harvest by contacting the administrator for your county:

How your county or organization can participate

If your county or organization would like to be a local administrator, please contact HousingforHarvest@dss.ca.gov. See more details in this Program Overview.

Funding and program costs

State funding will cover eligible costs for transportation, meals, wellness checks, and any other services for in-home quarantining through an agreement with the county. Philanthropy may cover additional costs. Some costs may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement by the county.