San Mateo County's $2 Million Loan Program to Improve Farmworker Housing

San Mateo County Acts to Improve Farmworker Housing After Half Moon Bay Tragedy San Mateo County, CA – In a significant move to address the dire housing conditions faced by farmworkers, the county board of supervisors recently approved a $2 million loan program aimed at improving housing on farms and ranches. This initiative follows the tragic January 23, 2025, mass shooting at Half Moon Bay farms, which brought the issue of farmworker housing to the forefront. The program will offer interest-free loans of up to $100,000 to up to 20 farms and ranches in the county. Farmers will have 30 years to repay the loan. "This is a giant win for agriculture on the coast and for farmworkers on the coast," said Supervisor Dave Pine. The county will conduct annual inspections to ensure that housing conditions are maintained. One local farmer, John Justis, expressed his gratitude for the program, stating, "A lot of the housing is just getting old. The kitchens need to be remodeled, the bathrooms need to be remodeled...there's a lot of just use on them." Justis indicated that he plans to use the loan to make significant improvements to the housing provided to his farmworkers. The program represents a proactive step by San Mateo County to address the critical need for safe and decent housing for farmworkers, a vital part of the county's agricultural economy. The long-term, interest-free nature of the loans ensures that farmers have the resources to make lasting improvements without incurring significant debt.