Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/694089
Tanimura & Antle building housing for a sustainable community With the rising cost of housing in Monterey County, how will the people who make up the fabric of our community continue to live here? Will the workforce essential to our thriving economy be able to remain in the area to work, live or raise a family? The greater Salinas area is lacking at least 2,000 rental housing units. In 2014, 26% of all potential buyers could afford to purchase a house, compared to 35% the previous year. Furthermore, overcrowding, poor and unsafe living conditions coupled with 17% of Monterey County residents living below the poverty level create a housing crisis, leaving Monterey County in need of a rapid and suitable solution to address this harsh reality. The lack of affordable housing in this region is a major component to the decreasing availability of the workforce, not only in the agricultural industry, but to many other businesses in this County. Tanimura & Antle is committed to investing in its employees. This spring, Tanimura & Antle employees will be given a safe, affordable and comfortable hous- ing option, in a residential community located at the Tanimura & Antle headquarters in Spreckels. Recognizing that a living wage is also part of build- ing a sustainable and healthy community, Tanimura & Antle increased the base hourly pay for its har- vest employees to $12.50 per hour with production incentive bonuses that may increase their average earnings to $18 per hour. This gives our hard-work- ing employees the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. The Tanimura & Antle housing initiative is only one solution. We hope that it encourages the Monterey County communities to seriously consider and address the lack of affordable housing and join to- gether to solve this issue for the well-being of our community. Photos courtesy of Tanimura & Antle By Tanimura & Antle