Affordable and dignified housing
Since Centro Campesino's inception, the creation of livable housing for migrant workers has been of the highest priority for the Board of Directors. Board members have collectively dreamed of a time when migrant workers could find clean, affordable and safe places to live while in Minnesota during the work season.
In a March news conference in 2003 in Faribault, Centro Campesino staff, board members and organizational partners at the University of Minnesota released the results of an extensive study of migrant worker housing conditions in Steele, Rice, Waseca and Le Sueur counties. The organization also put forth its dreams for developing affordable housing and a community center for migrant workers in Le Sueur County. The development of migrant worker housing is a long-term dream, but Centro Campesino expects to keep working toward this dream until it becomes reality.
The housing campaign focuses on the following areas:
- Promote the development of affordable housing for migrant workers in southern Minnesota.
- Carry out workshops with year-round Latino residents and migrant workers relating renter's rights and landlord responsibilities.
- Refer community members to the appropriate institutions in order to seek housing assistance.
- Represent our members in housing and renting issues, and refer them to allied lawyers in case needed.
- End racial discrimination when it comes to renting or buying a house or an apartment.
