GROWING HOMES
Housing Security for farmers
Advocacy
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Introducing the Pilot Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship!
Growing Homes is thrilled to announce the launch of the Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship, a hands-on pilot program supporting Hudson Valley farmers in housing advocacy and policy leadership. NEST—short for Network for Equitable Shelter & Tenure in the Hudson Valley—brings farmers together to advance affordable, stable, and dignified housing solutions rooted in lived experience.
In 2026, Growing Homes is organizing an inaugural cohort of farmers to lead housing advocacy efforts across the region. Through this pilot, fellows are building skills in advocacy and policy analysis, developing farmer-led campaigns, and engaging directly with legislators and agency staff—while Growing Homes supports the behind-the-scenes coordination that makes this work possible.
The fellowship is led by Emilyn Sosa, Advocacy Organizer, with advisory support from Chris Nickell and Monti Lawson. Together, the team is advancing housing policy work at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels while responding to emerging needs identified by farmers themselves.
What’s Next
Over the coming year, we’ll be sharing updates, stories, and lessons from this inaugural cohort as the work unfolds.
Applications for the next Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship cohort will open in Fall 2026. We invite farmers, partners, and community members to follow along and stay connected.
Questions?
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Reach out to Emilyn Sosa at emilynsosa@growinghomes.org.
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GET INVOLVED
The Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship and our advocacy initiatives are just the beginning. There are several ways to participate and support this work:
Join the Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship and build hands-on advocacy skills while leading policy exploration, community organizing, and legislative engagement to directly address housing needs for farmers in the Hudson Valley.
Partner with Growing Homes
Support farmer-led campaigns and policy work by collaborating with our team. Whether through technical assistance, research, or advocacy partnerships, your involvement helps amplify farmer voices and advance shared priorities.
Stay Informed
Sign up for updates to stay connected with our advocacy initiatives, programs, and opportunities. Be the first to learn about new resources, events, and ways to get involved in shaping housing solutions for farmers.