Housing for agricultural workers

Last updated January 7, 2021 at 9:01 AM

Housing for the Harvest is a program that offers temporary hotel housing to agricultural workers who need to isolate due to COVID-19. It helps positive or exposed workers protect their loved ones and coworkers by giving them a space to self-isolate.

On this page you will find:

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 books hotel rooms 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.

Locally-funded administrators:

  • Serve as primary point of contact with workers who need isolation housing 
  • Verify participant eligibility
  • Coordinate with the State to book rooms
  • Provide services at the hotel site including transportation, meals and wellness checks
  • Ensure services are provided in the participant’s language, and
  • Collect data required for FEMA reimbursement.

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 (PDF) for COVID-19: 
    • Have tested positive, or 
    • Been exposed as documented by a public health official or medical health professional
  • Be unable to self-isolate at home 

How to get a hotel room

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

More counties may be added to the program.

Where the program is available

Initial efforts will focus on the Central Valley, Central Coast, and Imperial Valley regions. These are the regions with the highest number of agricultural workers. It will expand as other counties or regions with this population opt in.    

How your county or organization can participate

If your county or organization would like to be a local administrator, please contact cdfa.emergency_response@cdfa.ca.gov. See more details in this Program Overview (PDF).

Funding and program costs

California has received FEMA approval for non-congregate sheltering during the public health crisis.

The State will seek reimbursement for hotel costs for this program at 75% federal cost share.

Costs for transportation, meals, wellness checks and any other services would be identified at the county level. Philanthropy may cover part or all of the costs. Some costs may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement by the county.