Peoples' Self-Help Housing

Peoples' Self-Help Housing

For Immediate Release

Press Contact:
Chris Davis
805-687-3322

"Ground Breaking" Multi-Faceted Affordable Housing "Breaks Ground"

Housing for Farmworker Families provides Health Screening Facilities, Multi-Purpose Area, and Child Care Facility

Santa Maria, CA, July 29, 2002—Peoples' Self-Help Housing will begin work on the second phase of affordable rental townhomes for farmworkers and their families with an official ground-breaking ceremony for Los Adobes de Maria II in Santa Maria, Tuesday, July 30, at 11 AM. (The 65 unit Los Adobes de Maria I, completed in 1995, was the first-ever farmworker housing in Santa Maria.)

With the help of partnerships including financing from the Rural Community Assistance Corporation Agricultural worker Health & Housing Program, State Department of Housing, City of Santa Maria, and County of Santa Barbara, and construction financing from Mid State Bank & Trust, Peoples' Self-Help Housing is creating a 52 unit permanent affordable townhouse complex for farmworker families.

"Peoples' Self-Help Housing created a system that encompasses the long-term affordable housing needs of families with other community and health components," said Jeanette Duncan, Executive Director of Peoples' Self-Help Housing. "We address other areas that impact their lives including health, child care, and adult and child education."

The plan allows access to all new community and health facilities for both Los Adobes de Maria I and II residents. New construction will include a soccer field, a full size basketball court, laundry facilities, an abundance of green space, private backyards, multi-purpose area with full kitchen, health screening facilities, and private counseling space, and childcare. Public transportation will be accessed directly outside the development, which will provide for convenient transportation for employment, health, and educational opportunities. The community center and dedicated childcare space will provide for the provision of supportive health services, outreach services, and the coordination and organization of civic activities. A playground area, barbeque pits, benches, and courtyards area will also be available to residents.

--Media Advisory--

Who: City and County officials including county Supervisor Tom Urbanski, planning, commission, residents, other partners, and representatives of Peoples' Self-Help Housing

What: Hold the official ground-breaking ceremony for Los Adobes de Maria II

Where: 616-700 S. Blosser Road, Santa Maria

When: Tuesday, July 30, 2002, 11 AM