Casas Capay Valley

Providing three farm worker families with secure, affordable homes and access to land in the Capay Valley.

Landowners Paul Muller and Dru Rivers are contributing a 2-1/2-acre parcel to Casagraria for the construction of its first three homes designated for farmworker families.

Property* Features:

  • 2.4 acre empty lot, surrounded by farmland

  • Access to domestic well and power

Development Plan:

  • Allowable duplex and an ancillary unit, for a total of 3 homes

  • Architect working with prospective residents to create conceptual plan

  • Qualifying residents form co-op, approve plans

  • Secure permits from county

  • (Residents may be able to build sweat equity through participation)

  • Convey limited-equity ownership in homes to farmworkers (goal 2028)

  • Land remains in nonprofit community ownership (CLT)

  • Co-op responsible for community governance and property management

  • CLT responsible for monitoring, enforcement, future sales to qualifying residents

Impacts:

  • Permanently affordable housing for 3 local farmworker families. Resale restrictions protect long-term affordability.

  • Inter-generational access to people who work in agriculture. At least one member of family must work in ag to qualify.

  • Means to build equity for agricultural workforce. Resale of homes, though limited in value, create ‘nest egg’ for homeowners. 

  • Regeneratively-managed farmland provides for residents. Food security, farmworker-to-farmer training, supplemental income.

  • Resident-led governance ensures that project serves community. Entire process guided by local farmworkers.

  • Precedent and legal model for more rural farmworker home ownership in the region. Team working closely with the county and learning from similar efforts around the state. 

*For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people, including the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation today. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be working here today on their traditional lands.

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