Senator Becker Delivers $1 Million to Expand Affordable Housing for Farmworker Families in Pescadero

The funding, secured by Senator Becker, will support the renovation of an aging property into 11 affordable homes serving farmworkers and their family members.

State Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) has announced $1 million in state funding for Casa de las Flores, a major affordable housing initiative led by Puente de la Costa Sur that will transform property in Pescadero into safe, healthy, and affordable homes for local farmworkers and their families.

The funding, secured by Senator Becker, will support the renovation of an aging property into 11 affordable homes serving up to farmworkers and family members. The project will address critical water and infrastructure needs, improve living conditions, and transform a former school auditorium into a shared community space.

"Our farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. They work long hours, help put food on our tables, and contribute so much to the communities we call home. Yet too many return home to overcrowded, unsafe housing without access to basic necessities," said Senator Becker. "That's why I fought to deliver $1 million in state funding to help make Casa de las Flores a reality. This is an investment in safe housing, stronger families, and the future of our South Coast community."

The investment addresses a significant housing shortage in San Mateo County, where there is a documented need for more than 1,000 affordable housing units for farmworkers. Many agricultural workers face housing that is unaffordable, overcrowded, in need of major repairs, or tied to their employment, leaving families vulnerable to losing both their jobs and their homes.

Casa de las Flores is being developed with input from the residents themselves, ensuring that the renovations reflect their needs and experiences. In addition to improved housing, the project will create a shared gathering space that fosters community connections and provides families with a place to come together.

The $1 million state investment builds on a $1 million matching grant from Sand Hill Foundation, intended to encourage additional public and private investment in the project. Puente continues its capital campaign to secure the funding necessary to complete the renovations.

"I believe the most important thing right now is to make sure we don’t get any leaks when the rains come, and I think this money will help us accomplish that," said Gabriel Echevarria, farmworker and current tenant at Casa de las Flores. The other renovations are necessary, but the roof and windows are the most important things for us.” 

Becker also recognized the leadership of Puente de la Costa Sur, Executive Director Rita Mancera, and farmworker advocates, including members of Del Campo Al Cambio, who have organized and advocated for better housing conditions on the Coastside.

“At Puente, we believe the voices of the people we serve should guide our work,” said Mancera. “Our farmworker tenants chose the name Casa de las Flores, honoring the history of the property and the flowers that were once grown here.” 

"Some of the strongest voices advocating for change have come from the farmworkers themselves," Becker said. "They have shared their experiences, organized their communities, and made sure their voices were heard all the way in Sacramento. Casa de las Flores demonstrates what we can accomplish when we listen to residents and work together to deliver meaningful solutions."

The project is particularly significant at a time when immigrant families face growing uncertainty about their futures. Becker emphasized that safe, stable housing is fundamental to ensuring that every family can participate fully in the community.

"As the grandson of immigrants, I understand the sacrifices families make in pursuit of a better future," Becker said. "Regardless of where someone was born, everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. Casa de las Flores is about more than renovating a building. It's about giving families a place where they belong and where they can build a future."