GROWING HOMES
Housing Security for farmers
Advocacy
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Apply to the INAUGURAL Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship!
Farmer Advocates in the Hudson Valley for Affordable, Stable, and Dignified Housing in the hudson Valley
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Growing Homes is excited to launch the Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship (NEST stands for the Farmer Network for Equitable Shelter & Tenure in the Hudson Valley), a hands-on pilot program supporting Hudson Valley farmers in housing advocacy and policy leadership. In 2026, Growing Homes will organize farmers to advocate for their housing needs. We will help develop campaigns that farmers themselves lead, and facilitate skill-building, policy ideation, and direct engagement with legislators and agency staff—handling the logistical hurdles that often get in the way of farmer-led advocacy.
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Emilyn Sosa, our Advocacy Organizer, will lead this effort, researching advocacy needs at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels; drafting proposed legislation; meeting with farmers, legislators, and advocacy groups to advance efforts; and both carrying out pre-identified priorities and identifying new needs as they arise. Chris Nickell and Monti Lawson will serve as advisors to support this work.
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Fellows in the NEST program will:
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Build skills in advocacy, policy analysis, and community organizing
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Connect with fellow farmers, policymakers, and partner organizations
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Explore how individual housing challenges link to broader systems
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Lead campaigns advancing affordable, stable, and dignified housing solution
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Interested in shaping affordable, stable, and dignified housing for farmers in the Hudson Valley? Apply to the Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellowship today! Applications close on January 16, 2025.​
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Contact our Advocacy Organizer, Emilyn Sosa, with any questions 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 pilot cohort and build advocacy skills while leading campaigns that directly address housing needs for farmers and farmworkers in the Hudson Valley. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in policy exploration, community organizing, and legislative engagement.
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.