Lack Of Affordable Housing Hits Migrant Workers Hardest

"On the North Coast, the busy processing season begins with sardine landings in the Columbia River plume and continues with other fish stocks through the summer. Many migrant workers then move into the holly fields or tree farms before moving south for other seasonal work."

"Large, mostly Latino groups are now streaming up the West Coast from picking grapes in California to packing fish in local seafood plants."

"At the 36-unit Elk Creek complex, one of few options in the area for low-income housing, the wait list stretches a year long, said Manager Voleen Toten."

"'If I had three times the space here I could fill it, and I'd probably still have a waiting list,' she said. 'That's how many people need housing.'"

"Local agencies have reported limited means for dealing with the housing shortage."