Today, the city of Bakersfield partnered with Chelsea Investment and held an event for a new project, the Auburn Vista Apartments, which will bring 60 affordable apartments to northeast Bakersfield. The affordable housing project will be available to low-income farmworkers and their families.
A 60-unit housing development designed to serve farmworker families with affordable rents is expected to be finished by early 2026 (construction timeline of 14 months). The units will include 15 one-bedroom apartments, 30 two-bedroom apartments, and 15 three-bedroom apartments.
Jim Anderson, the Chief Development Officer of Chelsea Investment Corporation, said the project’s focus is on creating a strong and supportive community, not just housing.
“Farm workers are right up at the top. These are the hardest-working individuals that you will find in the United States, period,” said Anderson.
With the help from Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation, the complex will provide services that can help families with homework assistance after school, homework labs, computer labs, ESL training, citizenship work, job training, resume building, and even food programs with fresh produce.
“These services enhance the families’ ability to grow and thrive. It’s not just about providing a place to live; it’s about making a community. We even organize things like pumpkin carving and Christmas events to make it feel like home,” said Anderson.
Chelsea has completed five projects in Bakersfield, with plans to continue seeking opportunities for a sixth. Anderson said the last two projects have focused on farm workers because they sense the need and are open to serving various populations, including farmworkers, students, and young professionals.
“The fact that we’re able to create not only affordable units of housing but also safe, clean, healthy housing in a community that is safe and will be new and vibrant and quality for our farm workers… that’s a significant deal,” said Bakersfield City Councilmember Andrae Gonzales.
Gonzales said the city will commit to finding funding and developers for more affordable housing initiatives across the city.
