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RCAC receives $25,000 grant from American Express

August 25, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY – American Express awarded Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) a $25,000 grant to assist nonprofit affordable housing organizations in Utah look for new ways to deliver affordable home ownership opportunities during these desperate economic times.

RCAC will develop an assessment and, with the assistance of stakeholders involved in affordable housing production, an action plan. The assessment and action plan will help affordable housing program and service providers establish new ways to bring home ownership opportunities to needy families; diversify to provide new services where possible; and when all else fails, to merge or close their doors, but in a way that preserves affordable housing stock.

Affordable housing program and service providers in the United States have struggled to survive during the last several years as the housing market collapsed and land values decreased. Now, they face huge cutbacks in their traditional federal government funding sources. Their survival is vital in providing safe, healthy and affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income families in rural communities.

“We appreciate the important role American Express has played, especially Jane Shock, in serving the affordable housing needs of Utah families,” said Connie Baker-Wolfe, RCAC regional manager – housing. “American Express has been a strong partner of RCAC’s for many years. This assessment report will provide strategies and crucial information that Utah nonprofit developers can use to ensure their short- and long-term success. The report will give direction for strategic restructuring and will identify ways that the organizations can adapt and remain viable for serving the needs of rural communities.”

Founded in 1978, RCAC provides a wide range of community development services for rural and Native American communities, agricultural workers and community-based organizations in 13 western states. RCAC’s core services are housing, environmental infrastructure (water, wastewater and solid waste) and community development finance. RCAC has expertise in leadership training, economic development and and conference management services. RCAC has three rural development specialists in the Salt Lake City office who serve the needs of rural communities throughout Utah.

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