MITHŪN

Overview

In Washington State, tens of thousands of farmworkers are forced to compete for a limited supply of affordable housing. Many must resort to overcrowded and substandard units, or camp out in cars or tents along riverbanks. Sponsored by the Catholic Housing Services (CHS), the Farmworkers Housing pilot project was created to provide affordable housing for farmworkers and their families. With a grant from Enterprise Community Partners, the design and construction team was charged with creating a new type of green seasonal housing that meets the Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust’s goals for livability and employs environmentally sustainable methods and materials.

The pilot project consists of designing and constructing three different types of prefabricated modules: light green, green, and bright green. All three are 580 square feet in size, while their amenities and green features vary. The bright green unit is designed to Net Zero energy use and includes solar power and hot water, passive heating and cooling strategies, advanced framing techniques for a more efficient envelope, ultra-low flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, and FSC certified wood. Based on interviews with farmers and farmworkers in the Skagit Valley, all three module types are designed to be “family-friendly,” afford privacy, and provide flexible indoor and outdoor living areas for four people.

The first constructed units will be located on two farms in Skagit Valley. A third location in Yakima is being pursued. These prototypes will be occupied upon delivery, but open to the public by appointment.

Team

Catholic Housing Services
Established in 1979, Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington, (CHS, formerly known as the Archdiocesan Housing Authority) develops, owns and manages affordable housing programs for low-income families and individuals. CHS provides supportive services for people who have experienced homelessness, low income seniors, farm worker families, and those who have special physical and mental needs.

Cedar River Group
Cedar River Group creates uncommon partnerships between its team of seasoned public policy experts and leaders in the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Including nonprofit groups, public agencies and foundations, Cedar River Group guides missions that are motivated by a desire to bring about positive change.

Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust
The Washington State Farmworker Housing Turst was founded in 2003 to bring new resources to meet the need for decent and affordable housing for farmworkers in Washington State. The Trust, a nonprofit organization, is a unique collaboration of growers, farmworker advocates, housing providers and other community leaders.