Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, holds significant importance in California, home to one of the largest Hispanic and Latino populations in the United States. 

This month is a time to honor the profound influence that Hispanic and Latino communities have had on the state’s history, culture, and economy. Beyond celebrating achievements and contributions, Hispanic Heritage Month also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and challenges that many in the community still face, particularly migrant populations.

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) play a crucial role in supporting these communities, providing essential services and advocating for their rights and well-being.

The Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month in California

California is rich in Hispanic heritage, with deep historical roots that date back to Spanish colonization in the 18th century. The influence of Hispanic culture can be seen everywhere— from the state’s architecture and place names to its festivals, food, and music. In modern times, the Hispanic and Latino communities in California have grown immensely, with over 15 million residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, making up nearly 40% of the state’s population.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge the significant contributions of this community to the state’s economy, culture, and society. Whether through art, politics, business, or social movements, Hispanic and Latino Californians have played a vital role in shaping the state. Leaders like César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and countless others have fought for social justice and labor rights, laying the foundation for future generations to continue the fight for equality and fairness.

However, the month is not just a celebration of the past; it’s also a reflection on the present and a call to address the ongoing issues faced by many Hispanic and Latino individuals, especially migrant workers who contribute to the state’s agricultural and service industries.

The Challenges Faced by Migrant Communities

Migrant workers, many of whom are of Hispanic or Latino descent, form the backbone of California’s agricultural sector. They work long hours in harsh conditions, often for low wages, and many lack access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and legal representation. These workers frequently face barriers such as language differences, discrimination, and the threat of deportation, which can make it difficult for them to assert their rights or seek assistance when needed.

Housing insecurity is another pressing issue, with many migrant families living in substandard or overcrowded conditions. This not only affects their quality of life but also their health and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerabilities of migrant communities, with many serving as essential workers while facing heightened risks of illness and economic instability.

Despite these challenges, migrant communities remain resilient, contributing significantly to the state’s economy and food supply. The need for targeted support and advocacy on their behalf is crucial, which is where Community Action Agencies come into play.

The Role of Community Action Agencies (CAAs)

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are nonprofit organizations that provide a variety of services aimed at combating poverty and empowering underserved populations. For migrant communities in California, these agencies serve as vital lifelines, offering resources that help alleviate the difficulties they face.

“Community Action Agencies’ develop and focus locally on the impact of living in a community.  Barriers facing immigrant families, and the need for a humanitarian response to the immigration crisis are often the driving force behind our work throughout California.  Racial bias and cultural stigma and culturally informed strategies for navigating institutional barriers and social isolation help us lead the efforts to create opportunities for all,” states David Knight, CalCAPA Executive Director.

Access to Basic Services

CAAs help migrant workers and their families access essential services, such as healthcare, housing assistance, and food security programs. Many migrants lack access to healthcare due to cost, lack of insurance, or language barriers. CAAs work to bridge these gaps, offering health clinics, vaccination drives, and wellness programs specifically tailored to the migrant community’s needs.

For example, CAAs often organize or participate in resource fairs. Resource fairs are crucial for low-income communities because they provide centralized access to essential services and information. These fairs often bring together various organizations, agencies, and nonprofits that offer support in areas such as healthcare, housing, employment, education, and legal aid.

The Central Valley Opportunities Center’s (CVOC) Farmworker Resource Center held a Farmworker Resource Fair in April 2024 in which community members could receive CVOC direct services like rental and utility assistance, vocational training information, food distribution boxes, and more. Providing opportunities like a community resource fair ensures there is a safe space for community members to seek out the assistance they need.

Legal Assistance

Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting for migrant families. CAAs often provide free or low-cost legal assistance to help migrants with visa applications, citizenship pathways, and protections against exploitation. They also educate migrants on their rights in the workplace, ensuring they are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers.

The Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CABSCC) is known for their work in immigration and migrant services. Cesar Chavez, American labor leader and civil rights activist, had protested to obtain rights for farm workers right outside of CABSCC’s building in the 1970s. CABSCC has a Day Worker Center to assist day laborers in Santa Cruz County to secure safe employment, develop job skills, improve wages, and become more fully engaged members of our community. The Center facilitates the employment of day laborers in a safe hiring hall space and through an organized and dignified process.

Resources like a Day Worker Center are especially helpful to our migrant communities looking for opportunities to become economically mobile and plant roots in an area.  

Education and Workforce Development

Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, and CAAs offer programs that range from early childhood education to adult vocational training. For migrant communities, these programs can make a huge difference, providing opportunities to learn English, gain job skills, and pursue higher education. By offering pathways to economic independence, CAAs help lift migrant families out of poverty and into more stable livelihoods.

California Human Development has successfully implemented The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) for over 40 years. The NFJP is a nationally-directed, locally-administered program of services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents. Providing career basic, individualized, and training services to seasonal farm workers and their dependents, the NFJP creates pathways for individuals to pursue the American dream. 

Calixto Cervantes Camacho is an individual who received services at California Human Development and is a true testament to the impact that programs like the National Farmworker Jobs Program makes in communities across the state. 

Camacho traveled up and down California working temporary farm work jobs to establish stability for his family back in Michoacán, Mexico, to move to the states. Due to a natural disaster, he was left without work. With the support of California Human Development and their NFJP, and Camacho’s determination and resilience, he was able to acquire a new job and continue supporting his family. Learn more about Calixto’s story here

Advocacy and Empowerment

Beyond providing direct services, CAAs play a critical role in advocating for migrant communities at the local, state, and national levels. They work to influence policy decisions that affect migrant workers, such as wage laws, housing regulations, and immigration reform. By amplifying the voices of the migrant community, CAAs help ensure that their needs are not overlooked by policymakers.

Cultural Celebrations and Integration

CAAs also contribute to the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by organizing cultural events that bring migrant communities together and showcase their rich heritage. These events provide an opportunity for migrants to share their stories, traditions, and contributions with the broader community, fostering understanding and solidarity.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by holding a resource fair that also served as a free family-friendly event that provided community and department resources, live performances, kids’ activities, gallery viewing, and a special Dia De Los Muertos altar honoring lives taken by gun violence. It was a beautiful tribute to community members that have passed that incorporated a cultural ceremony. 

Hispanic Heritage Month in California is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, including the vital role migrant workers play in the state’s economy and culture. However, it’s also a time to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by these communities and the critical support provided by Community Action Agencies.

These organizations work tirelessly to offer services that promote economic stability, access to education, legal rights, and healthcare, while also advocating for systemic change that will benefit future generations.

Through the work of CAAs, migrant communities can find the resources and support they need to thrive, making California a more just and equitable state for all its residents.