A year after the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of seven Chinese migrants in Half Moon Bay, California, survivors are still grappling with uncertainty as their housing vouchers come to an end. The families affected by the massacre continue to face trauma, job instability, and a lack of permanent housing. They are hopeful that their city, county, and state will provide long-term solutions in 2024.
The working and living conditions at the two farms targeted in the shooting were deemed “deplorable” by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Workers endured low wages, some as low as $9 an hour, and were forced to live in shipping containers. The tragedy not only left survivors and family members without income but also displaced them from their residences, forcing them to start anew.
Cynthia Choi, co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, an advocacy group that has been supporting survivors, said, “The city and county have long known about the deplorable working and housing conditions of migrant workers. They have a duty and obligation to address these issues and to support the impacted families with their long-term healing and recovery.”
During a recent remembrance ceremony, Half Moon Bay’s Mayor Joaquin Jimenez acknowledged the community’s commitment to supporting farmworkers. He emphasized the importance of farmworker safety and well-being, particularly when it comes to decent housing. Supervisor Ray Mueller of San Mateo County announced that a development with 46 farmworker residences is underway, and 18 of those units are currently available to families. However, many survivors feel stuck in temporary housing limbo while awaiting more permanent solutions.
Saoleng U, who is assisting six surviving families through the outreach organization Self-Help for the Elderly, revealed that although the families currently reside in temporary subsidized housing, they still don’t feel a sense of belonging. They live in constant uncertainty, not knowing when they might have to move again. As their one-year housing vouchers near expiration, they worry about their future housing arrangements.
U expressed concern about how the first 18 available units will be allocated among the families in need. She said, “We’re worried that they’ll get their hopes up and then, after building this first structure, many won’t be able to get in. This will lead to disappointment and deflation.”
While Mayor Jimenez did not respond to NBC News’ request for comment, Governor Newsom assured the community that the state would continue to support farmworkers and aid in their recovery. Both farms involved in the shooting are also facing workplace safety citations from the state.
The surviving workers are still grappling with the trauma of the shooting, according to Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help. The anniversary of the tragedy is a painful reminder of their shared experiences and the lives lost.
A committee comprised of community members is actively working on a permanent memorial for the victims. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the working environment faced by migrant farmers and how it can be improved.
Although the farmworkers themselves are hesitant to speak out about their working conditions due to fear of losing their jobs, Saoleng U believes that more resources need to be allocated to support them proactively. She emphasized that the state should play a more active role in ensuring fair pay and suitable living conditions for the farmworkers, adding, “We shouldn’t wait for another mass shooting to find out how they are managing.”
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