West Sacramento, Calif. — Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) received a $220,000 grant from the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund, which will be used to support recovery efforts in communities devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire.
RCAC’s work under this grant will focus on long-term recovery needs – particularly housing, health, safety and community economic recovery – of low-income populations in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties. RCAC will work closely with Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP), a local nonprofit organization, to build its capacity to develop affordable single family housing in the affected areas.
The fire displaced up to 90 percent of Paradise’s population. In nearby towns, such as unincorporated Magalia, nearly half of the residents lost their homes. In Butte County alone, more than 50,000 residents require new housing. The Camp Fire also destroyed several large mobile home parks. RCAC will partner with park owners to create a strategic plan to rebuild or sell to nonprofit organizations or residents.
RCAC will also provide technical assistance to Paradise to create a new wastewater utility in the downtown area and create a rate structure that will support its operation.
“We’re pleased to enter this partnership with the California Community Foundation to provide critical relief to communities that were deeply impacted by the Camp Fire,” said Stanley Keasling, RCAC Chief Executive Officer.
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 staff provides direct services in collaboration with local and community partnerships in three program areas: affordable housing, environmental services, and lending. To learn more about RCAC, visit http://www.rcac.org
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports immediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts. Since 2003, the fund has granted more than $22 million to support relief and recovery efforts throughout the state. For more information, please visit calfund.org/wildfire
Media contact:
Julia Helmreich, director
Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext.
jhelmreich@rcac.org
