Fresno Housing developed the La Joya Commons affordable housing complex in Firebaugh, added 68 units in the space where 34 units of dilapidated farm labor housing stood. Photo by Dylan Gonzales

The site of former farmworker housing in Firebaugh has been transformed into La Joya Commons, a 68-unit affordable housing apartment complex. 

“This was once dilapidated farm labor housing that was built well over 50 years ago,” said Michael Duarte, chief real estate officer for Fresno Housing. “In this particular footprint stood 34 units. We demolished those and have built 68 beautiful units in our phase one, and we have a phase two plan that we’re actively pursuing.” 

Of the 68 units, 41 are reserved for households with income from agricultural-related work.

Fresno Housing celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday alongside Firebaugh city leaders, project partners and residents. 

Ground was broken on the project in October 2023.

 

The project received funding from multiple sources, including the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Joe Serna Farmworker Housing Grant Program, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, U.S. Bank and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.

“This development reflects our mission in action,” said Fresno Housing CEO Tyrone Roderick Williams. “We believe that whatever the market rate standard is should be the standard for everyone, regardless of your income or your occupation.” 

Firebaugh Mayor Freddy Valez called La Joya Commons “a place where vision, dedication and partnership have transformed a dream into a beautiful reality,” adding, “This development was not built overnight. It took years of planning, perseverance and unwavering commitment.”

Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco praised Fresno Housing for making sure rural residents in Fresno County aren’t being left behind, sharing the message often sent from residents in smaller communities.

“We are not second-class citizens, and we deserve everything that the City of Fresno gets and more because we work hard, we put food on the table for people, and they need to remember that,” Pacheco said. 

Joshua Evju, who works for U.S. Bank, said the bank invested $65 million in the project and has worked with Fresno Housing on 15 developments over two decades. 

“This is a community and a team that we feel deeply committed to, and we know will deliver and continue to deliver for Firebaugh,” he said.

The property features solar-powered appliances, a computer lab, EV parking, a basketball court and community amenities aimed at lowering costs and improving the quality of life for low-income families and farmworkers.

“This is not just revitalization of old farm labor housing,” Pacheco said. “This is a transformation.”