Just north of Idaho Falls, in the town of Roberts, a need is being addressed, that many say is long overdue.

Roberts is like many small towns in eastern Idaho, which thrive on the agriculture industry, and the workers who labor in the fields. Farm workers play a vital role in Idaho agriculture and many in Roberts in Jefferson County live in out-dated trailers brought to the area after the Teton Dam Flood of 1976.

Aide Sandoval works in Roberts with the Community Council of Idaho which provides health services to farm workers.

Aide Sandoval, Community Council of Idaho : "The trailers are worn out and in just poor condition."

She believes some trailer homes are overpriced, and Roberts has been in need of low income family housing for a very long time. But help is on the way.

Because just a few days ago, the city of Roberts green lighted a $2 million housing project by the federally-funded Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership. It's EICAP's first-ever project for farm workers.

Ron Holt, EICAP construction supervisor: "It's a need. That's what we do."

So some hard-working families will go from this... to this, as seen here in a drawing of what's to come.

The Lakeview Family Apartments will house 23 families, with kitchens, a laundry room, and there'll even be classroom for computer or English classes.

As EICAP's construction supervisor shows us, part of this Yellowstone Crossing Subdivision will include 15 lots for EICAP's self-housing program. That's where you help build the house, and get an incredible deal; it's available to any low-income families.

Holt: "It's very necessary for the Roberts area. There's a big shortage of housing."

The project should benefit area farmers and likely stabilize their workforce. It will include a playground for children, and should keep workers and their families happy in such upgraded housing.

Sandoval: "It will be healthier, cleaner."

Holt: "We're really happy we got the opportunity to do it."

The project is possible thanks to funding by the USDA Rural Development, Idaho Housing and Finance, and a Department of Commerce grant.

Construction should be completed by March, 2010. It will be first-come, first-serve for low income families who qualify under EICAP's guidelines.

To learn more -- or to learn more for farm workers who may work for you since this is not restricted to people who work in Roberts -- contact EICAP at 522-5391.