Planting the Seeds for Workforce Housing

A typical day in the life of a farm worker usually starts early and ends late. The work is difficult but necessary to feed our growing society. Wisconsin farm workers are essential to the food supply chain in our state and our nation; yet the pay for these jobs is minimal, averaging between $10 to $13 per hour, which presents challenges for those seeking housing in rural areas.

Affordable housing is vital to the quality of life for farm workers and their families. These individuals work extremely hard every day to support the $104 billion agricultural industry in Wisconsin. Darlington, located in Lafayette County, is a small community of 2,445 residents and is also one of Wisconsin’s leading agricultural counties with 9% of its workforce made up of agricultural workers.

With rental unit occupancy reaching 98% and the industry seeking to hire more workers, there is great need for additional affordable housing units. The partnership between Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) and Michigan-based Cinnaire Solutions is actively addressing this need for affordable, quality housing exclusively for agricultural workers and their families.

The Meadows, which opened in October 2022, is a 32-unit complex of townhomes with a mix of two- and threebedroom units. The new community room offers outreach programs including employment access assistance, legal aid, K-12 school communication, translation services, and social services. Looking to the future, the partners intend to offer even more to their residents with an on-site Head Start facility.

Upon entering a unit at The Meadows, it is clear that the development partners wanted to create a facility that honors the residents for their contributions to agriculture.

The pet-friendly housing units are furnished with energy-efficient appliances, large closets, and in-home washers and dryers — perfect for families. All units are reserved for residents earning 30% to 60% of the county’s median family income. Tenants must derive at least 40% of their household income from farm labor.

The Meadows is one of only a few of its kind in the United States. A $3 million U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan, a $900,000 award from the Wisconsin Department of Administration, and $3.8 million in tax credits from the WHEDA helped finance the project.