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RCAC assists GroundWorks launch its first Mutual Self-Help Housing Program

Housing Project Highlight

Where: Jackson and Josephine Counties, Oregon 

Need: Affordable Housing

Solution: RCAC helped GroundWorks launch a successful Mutual Self-Help Housing program with funding from USDA Rural Development’s 523 Grant program.

For more than 20 years, GroundWorks has provided affordable housing construction and rehabilitation services to low-income families in southern Oregon. With offices located in Medford, GroundWorks serves Jackson and Josephine counties.

In 2003, RCAC asked GroundWorks to build homes under USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. After several presentations to its staff and board, the organization applied for funding. RCAC played a key role in the application process, which was complicated because GroundWorks wanted to build the homes as part of a Community Land Trust model to ensure their permanent affordability. Lease agreements and re-sale provisions had to be negotiated with USDA. GroundWorks’ first self-help grant was approved in 2006, and the organization built 15 homes. Under its second grant, which will end in 2011, GroundWorks will construct another 20 homes. 

Today, GroundWorks adds innovative green features to homes built under its self-help housing program, thanks in part to RCAC’s Green Building Guide. The guide provides practical information on adding green features to new construction and rehabilitation projects.

View a complete list of RCAC Rural Stories…