Coalinga and Huron are two distinct farming communities located in the most southwestern part of Fresno County, with a combined population of 24,694. Both communities are served by the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District (CHUSD), which enrolls 4,500 students who are predominately Latinx and low-income. Over 40% of the students are English Learners. For families living in Coalinga and Huron, the conditions and impacts of poverty are compounded by isolation from available services. 

There is a collective commitment within Coalinga and Huron to build the infrastructure and capacity to meet resident needs locally. Like many other agricultural and more rural communities, the school district and other government entities fund most of the services available for children and families, and they have a proven track record of directing funds to meet the needs of all of Coalinga and Huron’s residents with a commitment to increasing equity for those who have the least and are most vulnerable. From 2019 through 2023, Cowell has awarded 6 grants totaling $620,500 in Coalinga and Huron.