Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) was awarded a $50,000 Capital One grant this week to support the Tribal Housing Excellence Academy (THE Academy), an innovative initiative to increase the number and types of housing on Tribal lands. THE Academy develops a core of Native housing entities with the skills to manage housing development themselves, rather than relying on outside consultants.

THE Academy brings together eight to 10 Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) grantees to learn and apply best practices for developing housing on Native land. Through intensive capacity building sessions, peer support, networking with top developers and financial institutions, and coaching from seasoned development experts, THE Academy participants take their respective projects from concept to construction.

“We are excited to add Capital One as a partner in our Tribal housing work. Building the capacity of Tribal Housing Entities and building locally controlled housing in Indian Country are important outcomes for THE Academy, and it is nice to have such great partners!” said Stanley Keasling, RCAC chief executive officer.

The first cohort of eight Tribal entities graduated in June 2015. Capital One’s grant will support the second cohort beginning in early 2017.

Founded in 1978, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. RCAC serves rural communities in 13 western states and the Pacific islands. Most of our work in Alaska, Hawaii and the western Pacific is focused in Native communities. RCAC also works with majority Latino communities and Tribes across the Southwest. RCAC provides a broad range of community and economic development services and lending to support local efforts. To find out more about RCAC’s Loan Fund products, visit https://www.rcac.org/programs-services/

Michael Carroll, director
RCAC Lending & Housing
916/447-9832 ext. 1003
mcarroll@rcac.org