Florida farmworkers are facing challenges after Hurricane Ian. They have lost their homes and work, and need to get the help they require.

Florida’s migrant farmers face unique challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

What is the Farmworker Association of Florida (Farmworker Association of Florida)?

Our grassroots organization was founded in 1983 by Mascotte farmworkers. Since then, we have grown to five offices across the state. Our mission is to empower farmworkers and rural communities with low incomes so they can participate in the socio-economic, environmental, and health issues that impact their lives.

Ian’s impact on farmworkers:

Their homes were directly affected by hurricane-force winds. Many of their homes were flooded and they were unable to leave.

We know that crop damage is having long-term longer-term effects on many workers. Many of these workers will be out of work for weeks, or for as long as it takes to get the industry back on its feet. It will, however, mean that they will lose their income. Without that income, it means you won’t be able to pay rent, utilities, or get food.

This is where we work. It’s not about providing food or direct assistance. Even if they aren’t eligible for FEMA relief assistance, we try to find money, but it may be a drop in a bucket.

FEMA assistance: What do you think?

They can apply for FEMA relief if they are legal immigrants. They can also apply for FEMA relief if they do not have that status. Many of them don’t want to, not only because of the language but also because they may be considered public charges if they don’t have that status. They were also concerned about the possibility of immigrants becoming a public charge.

Xiuhtecutli stated that many H-2A agricultural workers in Florida are dependent on their employers for transportation and housing. He stated that these workers are extremely isolated and it is hard to determine the extent of their needs.

Language barriers can exist

Many of them don’t speak English but there are many people from Latin America, including some who have come to work as agricultural workers. Spanish may be their second language. If you are talking about English, it is a third language. There is a barrier to communicating their needs in Spanish.