Santa Barbara County has joined a new program that provides temporary hotel housing for farmworkers who need to self-isolate if they are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.
The new program is called Housing for the Harvest.
According to county officials, the state secures the hotel rooms while local government manages the program and community organizations provide additional services like meals and wellness checks.
The Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health will partner with the Family Service Agency to manage the program.
Farmworkers in need of this assistance should call the Family Service Agency at (805) 325-5341. Personal information will be kept confidential.
Housing for the Harvest launched in Fresno and San Joaquin counties last week. FEMA has approved the program and the state plans to seek federal reimbursement for 75% of the hotel costs.
