Last week, Proteus Inc. Board and staff, became aware of situations at the Linnell Farm worker camp in which residents were receiving 3-day quit notices and were being asked to prove that they were legal residents or citizens. Unfortunately, some, it appears, may have been evicted without due process. Some residents reached out to Proteus seeking rental assistance. Proteus is, of course, committed to helping these residents financially.
In researching the issue further, however, it is Proteus management’s observation that, although temporary assistance is useful, it does not adequately address the long-term problem of housing needs for the farmworker families at the camp. We recognize that housing units are federally funded and will require proof of legal status, but Proteus does not condone the intimidation approach of threatening to call ICE or the local authorities on residents of the camp. We respectfully request that the housing authority staff revisit their approach and review their verification process. We request, also, that the housing authority staff review every case individually, reinstate any family that was evicted/removed without following the process, and ensure that any personnel never takes it upon themselves to question documentation and/or legal status.
As a trusted farmworker advocate for 55 years Proteus stands by these Linnell camp residents. We are committed to helping them with their financial needs and committed to help be their voice in the community. Furthermore, we would like to offer our services to the Housing Authority if needed. We are willing to partner with them to help with policy development or changes they are willing to make so that all parties are represented respectfully, fairly and equitably.
