Ag workers struggling to find decent, affordable housing in King City

UPDATED: 6:01 PM 3/9/16

Hundreds of agricultural workers in King City said they struggle to find decent housing they can afford. Now the city said it’s trying to do something about more housing for field workers. City leaders said many of the workers live and work elsewhere because of the problem. Tuesday night King City council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would allow farm worker housing on First Street. Some of the workers said they’re hopeful because current conditions aren’t so great.

If you visit Lonoak Road, you’ll find farm worker housing, with patched roofs, old windows and poor drainage. It’s not an ideal place to live but for some farm workers it’s all they can afford.

Guadalupe Ruiz picks crops in King City but lives in Greenfield because of cheaper rent.

“I know many people that are having to live together in one apartment for the same reason they can’t pay their rent,” said Ruiz.

Over the past two years King City said it’s seen a 20 percent drop in field workers, resulting in more expensive crops. The corner of First and Broadway is where one ag business plans to house 200 of its workers, in the Meyers building. That will only be allowed if the city approves the proposal by Scaroni Family of Companies, but for now the building still has a for sale sign on the property.

“There will be a process, a conditional use process that will be observed to ensure that all regulations health and safety are addressed,” said King City Councilman Mike LeBarre.

LeBarre said the majority of King City’s population includes agricultural employees. The councilman also said the farm workers presence is important not only for the local economy but for providing the food we eat. Some of these workers said if things don’t change they’ll have no choice but to leave.

“These homes are necessary because rent is really high and with how much we get paid they’re definitely necessary,” said Ruiz.

KION spoke to nearby businesses that said they support more local housing for ag workers. If the building is approved, it could be open within a year.

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Hundreds of agriculture workers in King City are struggling to find decent housing they can afford, and city leaders recognize there’s a problem.

Over the past two years, King City says there’s been a 20 percent drop in field workers, resulting in more expensive crops.

“I know many people that are having to live together in one apartment for the same reason — they can’t pay their rent,” fieldworker Guadalupe Ruiz said.

In response, the city is moving forward with a plan to find a place where fieldworkers can live.

KION’s Brandon Castillo will have more on the plan tonight.