RCAC's Network News March 2009

Volume XXVII, Number 1

In this issue:

Together, park residents triumph
In Olympia, Washington, Hidden Village Park residents rallied together to preserve their homes and their community.

Self-help housing organizations threatened by today’s economic crisis
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mutual Self-Help Housing program has assisted approximately 50,000 very-low to low-income families to build and purchase their homes. With technical assistance and loan funds from RD, nonprofit housing organizations work with families to achieve the American dream of home ownership.
Today, these rural nonprofit housing organizations are in a very difficult situation. Some will not survive.

RCAC loan helps revive failed California community water system
After many years of costly repairs, Sunrise Shore Mutual Water Company (MWC) now has a system that produces clean, safe and affordable water. A $225,000 RCAC loan enabled the water system to make the crucial upgrades in the nick of time.

RCAC Loan Fund leverages more than $1 billion
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are financing the economy’s underserved sectors with integrity and compassion in spite of limited lending capital. Profit making, but not profit maximizing, CDFIs have demonstrated creativity, innovation and responsibility within the financing arena with very little fanfare.

Anderson Valley celebrates expanded community health center’s opening
Last summer the residents of Anderson Valley celebrated the completion of their newly expanded and renovated “green” community health center.

Hurricane Foreclosure hits California
Unlike a traditional hurricane that blows in and blows out, the foreclosure hurricane continues to pound communities across the United States and in particular, California. As in a traditional disaster, rescue workers are at the scene.

RCAC funding stream bolsters rural communities
RCAC effectively serves rural communities because of contributions, investments and fee-for-service contracts from foundations, corporations, government entities and other nonprofit organizations. RCAC appreciates its funders for their commitment to a vision for a better rural America through community development.

HUD hosts Rocky Mountain symposium in Salt Lake City
Rural America is not immune from skyrocketing rates of homelessness. In fact, the National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that “… approximately 744,000 people are homeless on any given night,” ...

Two California communities celebrate new leaders
Training strengthens Mendocino County leadership and empowers San Joaquin farm worker community ...

Financial management corner for small utilities – What is "financial management"?
Why is financial management important to your water system? The importance is clear – money makes the world go round, or in your case, it keeps the water pumping!

Fred Warren receives special recognition
The Rural Water Infrastructure Committee (RWIC) of Arizona recently recognized RCAC’s rural development specialist Fred Warren for 15 years as one of RWIC’s founding members and honored his “relentless dedication and commitment to improving water quality” for rural Arizona citizens.

RCAC’s Farm Worker Fund comes to a close
In 2004, RCAC embarked on its first direct mail fundraising efforts to directly assist farm workers achieve their visions and improve their lives. RCAC offers a myriad of programs and services and added the Farm Worker Fund (FWF) to its priorities. RCAC has been assisting farm workers in various capacities since its inception in 1978. Farm worker needs however, remain great.

Oddz N Ends

Conference and Workshop Calendar

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