After the Harvest : The Plight of Older Farmworkers.

Many farmworkers are faced with serious problems such as toxic drinking water, malnutrition, low levels of education and income, and poor health care. Based on statistical review, social surveys, and case studies, this document describes older farmworkers' living conditions, focusing on their housing problems. For many, housing is a luxury item and decent housing is often inconceivable. The housing problems faced by older farmworkers are complicated by a host of other problems. No programs were designed specifically by state governments to provide housing and other benefits to older farmworkers, and very few programs are developed for the general older population. The problems of elderly farmworkers relate directly to the problems of all older persons in general, as well as to the entire farmworkers community. The answer to providing decent housing to older farmworkers, therefore, lies in gaining a better understanding of how their problems relate to those of all farmworkers, and how these problems can be solved collectively. The following advocacy initiatives are recommended: (1) media exposure to the situation; (2) state and local policymakers awareness of the situation; (3) provision of technical assistance to build housing; (4) financial support on the public and private levels; (5) consideration for owner-occupied housing; (6) a conference of experts and advocates to exchange information and ideas; and (7) provision of health care and extended health care eligibility. This document contains 45 references, 27 data tables, and sample housing assistance forms. (ALL/GGH)

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