Thursday, Oct 4 2012 4:02PM
Pueblo Unido CDC hosted the Rural Forum on Sustainable Communities in Thermal, California, to discuss living conditions for residents of Coachella Valley and what can be done to improve them.
Pueblo Unido CDC hosted the Rural Forum on Sustainable Communities in Thermal, California, to discuss living conditions for residents of Coachella Valley and what can be done to improve them.
Much of the population in rural California communities, including Thermal, is made up of low-income families and farm workers, many of whom lack affordable housing. Additionally, many infrastructure systems are subpar.
"The forum is a comprehensive approach that empowers residents to be civically engaged in addressing infrastructure and environmental health issues," Sergio Carranza, executive director of the nonprofit organization, told local news station KESQ.
The news source notes that more than $430 million per year has been generated by the region's agriculture industry. However, many agricultural workers in Coachella Valley deal with unsuitable living conditions. Specifically, issues include inadequate sewage collection systems, flood control and clean water.
Carranza noted that Pueblo Unido plans to collaborate with both federal agencies and other nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life for rural residents.
For further information, check out this source:
KESQ