Farm labor housing loans and grants section 516

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Multi Family Housing Program awarded Chester Agricultural Center a Project Grant of $997,958 on May 27, 2026, under the Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants program (CFDA 10.405). The award supports the development and maintenance of affordable housing for domestic farm laborers in New York. The project will deliver decent, safe, and sanitary low-rent housing and related facilities specifically designed to serve agricultural workers and their families, with an ultimate completion date of July 27, 2027.

This award enables Chester Agricultural Center to provide housing solutions addressing the unique shelter needs of farm laborers in rural agricultural communities. The Farm Labor Housing program supports both off-farm and on-farm housing projects through a combination of loans and grants. Applicants are scored on factors including leveraged assistance, the percentage of seasonal or temporary migrant housing units, and the extent of tenant services provided to residents. The project represents the federal government's commitment to addressing housing challenges faced by domestic agricultural workers through targeted financial assistance to qualified nonprofit organizations and community entities.