THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (USDA-RHA) FARMWORKER HOUSING PROGRAM
(En Español)

About the Program

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz owns and manages 70 two and three bedroom units of U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Housing Service (USDA-RHS) in Santa Cruz County at two different sites in and near Watsonville.  This program is designed to provide affordable housing to households who earn a substantial portion of their income as farm laborers and who either (1) are citizens of the United States, or (2) reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence. 

USDA-RHS tenants pay their rent directly to the Housing Authority at rental rates approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Housing Service.

USDA-RHS units in Santa Cruz County have historically had little tenant turnover and are usually fully occupied.  Once on the USDA-RHS Program, households are entitled to stay for as long as they remain program eligible.  After initial occupancy, program eligibility is re-determined annually.  The family does not take the subsidy with it when it moves and the subsidy is a “flat rent,” that is, it not geared to the family’s income and will not change with a change in income.

How to Apply

To apply for the USDA-RHS Farmworker Housing Program, Click here (en Español).

For other Waiting List forms or to notify us of changes to your address, Click here.

Information for Current Participants

For information on Tenant Screening and Leasing a Unit, Click here

If you are a Housing Authority tenant and have questions or need to submit a maintenance request, Click here. 

For program forms, Click here.

For information and forms for people with special needs, Click here.

For answers to common questions, please see our Questions and Answers page here.

Si desea una traducción en espñol, por favor llame al (831)454-9455.

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2931 Mission St. • Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5709 • (831)454-9455 • TDD: (831)469-0122
Fax: (831)469-3712 • Hollister: (831)637-0487 • E-mail: info@hacosantacruz.org
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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