GROWING HOMES
Housing Security for farmers
Growing Homes Launches the Pilot FARMER NEST Advocacy Fellowship!
Farmer Advocates in the Hudson Valley for Affordable, Stable, and Dignified Housing
About the Fellowship
Growing Homes is thrilled to launch the pilot Farmer Network for Equitable Shelter & Tenure Advocacy Fellowship in 2026! The NEST fellowship is a hands-on, cohort-based program designed to empower Hudson Valley farmers to lead housing advocacy and policy change. This is your chance to help create affordable, stable, and dignified housing solutions for farmers across the region!
As a Farmer NEST Advocacy Fellow, you will:
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Participate in advocacy campaigns and research projects
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Learn about local, state, and federal housing policies
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Meet and engage with local officials, agencies, and partner organizations
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Join a supportive cohort of farmers and advocates
Program Details
Who Should Apply:
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Farmers in the Hudson Valley
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English-speaking participants for this inaugural cohort, with multilingual speakers encouraged to apply as we aim to build programming in multiple languages in future cohorts
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Individuals interested in housing advocacy, policy, and community organizing
Qualifications:
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Commitment to Hudson Valley agriculture and the farming community
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Interest or experience in advocacy, organizing, or policy (no formal experience required)
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Ability to participate in monthly cohort sessions and occasional field or advocacy activities
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Desire to collaborate and learn within a diverse, supportive cohort
What to Expect / Requirements:
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Duration: 6 months (February – August 2026)
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Cohort-based program: Monthly workshops, skill-building, and networking
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Advocacy projects: Participation in campaigns, research, and outreach efforts
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Legislative engagement: Opportunities to meet with officials, agencies, and partners
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Time commitment: We anticipate a commitment of approximately 10–15 hours per month in February and March, with a lighter workload as the peak growing season begins. The total estimated time commitment is 35–40 hours.
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Stipend: $1500 per fellow
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Cohort size: 4–6 fellows
Application Process
Thank you for your interest in this year’s cohort. Applications are now closed and will reopen in Fall 2026. We encourage you to check back then for details and updates.
Contact Advocacy Organizer, Emilyn Sosa, with any questions.
email: emilynsosa@growinghomes.org
Why Apply?
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Gain hands-on experience in housing advocacy and policy
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Build a network of fellow farmers, housing professionals, and policymakers
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Contribute to lasting change in farmer and farmworker housing
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Receive stipend and professional development opportunities