West Sacramento, Calif. — Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) received a $40,000 American Express grant this week to support the Utah Capacity Building Collaborative (UCBC), an innovative two-year initiative to provide capacity building, operational support and development training to four rural Utah housing agencies.

RCAC staff works with UCBC partners Community Rebuilds and Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah in Moab, Goshute Housing Authority in Ibapah, and Epicenter in Green River, to expand affordable housing development for low-income families in Grand, Emery and Tooele counties.

“Our goal is to encourage and build a network of nonprofit organizations that develop affordable housing in rural areas and increase housing options for low-income families,” said Stanley Keasling, RCAC chief executive officer. “We are grateful for American Express’ continued support as we broaden our work with Utah housing organizations.”

Collaborative partners’ proposed projects include a single family rental project called Frontier House, which is a prototype for a small energy efficient design appropriate to replace dilapidated trailers in Green River. Epicenter also is continuing a feasibility study for a multi-family rental project. The Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah proposes to expand its capacity and submit a Low Income Housing Tax Credit application for a multi-family project in Moab. The Goshute Housing Authority plans to increase rental options for tribal members in Wendover; and Community Rebuilds is initiating a partnership with a private landowner to construct straw bale, energy-efficient rental units in Moab.

American Express is a long-time RCAC supporter and provided funds in 2015 to launch the UCBC.

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 western Pacific islands. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations. RCAC provides loans, including small business loans, technical and economic development assistance to rural communities and nonprofit organizations in its service region. To find out more about RCAC’s Loan Fund products, go here >>

Contact:

Dawn VanDyke
Communications Manager
dvandyke@rcac.org
(916) 539-6696