Mission & History

Mission

To provide affordable housing for the residents of Anderson Valley.

History

Our story begins in 1984, when one of our founders, Kathy Cox, was hired as a health educator at the Anderson Valley Health Center. She conducted a needs assessment in the Valley and recognized that many people were living in deplorable conditions reminiscent of what she had seen in third world countries as a Peace Corp volunteer.

In 1987 the Anderson Valley Housing Association was launched and was able to acquire a former old folks’ home that was for sale on Ray’s Road in Philo. The purchase and early renovation of this property, now known as the Las Viviviendas, was possible because of a grant from the State of California’s Farm Worker Housing Program (FWHG), along with the volunteer efforts and financial support of many individuals in Anderson Valley.

From 1987 to 2013, this property continuously housed up to 16 unaccompanied male farm workers and one farm worker family. In June of 2013, in response to the changing housing needs in Anderson Valley, we remodeled one of the dormitory buildings into another farm worker family house. Today the property provides affordable and well-maintained housing for 10 unaccompanied male farm workers who live dormitory-style and share a kitchen, living room and separate bathhouse. Two farm worker families occupy the two separate two- and three-bedroom family houses.

In 1992, AVHA acquired the run-down motel at the south end of Boonville and began the long process of converting it to 12 one-bedroom apartments for income-eligible small families. This complex is now known as the Boonville Apartments and provides housing for up to 36 people. This acquisition was made possible through a loan from the California Housing Rehabilitation Program for rental housing.

Several other non-profits and agencies have been instrumental in supporting the many stages of improvements and rehabilitation projects, including the Community Development Commission of Mendocino County, the Rural Community Assistance Corporation, and the Joe Serna Jr. Farm Worker Housing Grant Program.

The grants and loans that funded the acquisition and improvement of these properties include specific residency requirements. Both properties require that tenants not exceed the “very low income” level defined by the State of California, though tenants already living in the facilities may stay if their incomes increase to the “lower income” level.

Many, many individuals and businesses have been generous in their support of our efforts over the years. Maintaining these housing resources and developing more affordable housing requires the participation and support of the entire community.

Interested in helping out? Visit the Give page to learn how.