Self Help Housing Resources

RCAC’s programs and services deliver solutions to complex community needs. Our local presence allows us to develop partnerships with communities to identify needs, set goals, and select the best options to meet those goals. RCAC and our partners provide the tools to create change and growth, but the communities chart their own course. Collaboration, plus community effort will equal community change. How can we help you?

RCAC’s Loan Fund is a financial resource for rural communities. The Loan Fund fills financing gaps and serves in unconventional markets. We offer loans for affordable housing development, environmental infrastructure, community facilities and small businesses in rural locations.

Decent housing, safe drinking water, education, financing, jobs, community facilities, leadership, families are the many facets to RCAC's work.

RCAC expands the knowledge base of the rural public through education and training. Our training expertise is in technical, financial, and administrative issues that affect rural communities. We take great pride in our professional trainer team's capacity and effectiveness. Our trainers maximize audience participation to keep trainings relevant and memorable.

RCAC's news and publications are a compilation of timely news, announcements and accomplishments produced for the rural development world.

Sub-standard housing and poverty are commonplace in low-income rural communities. Many of these communities also face daunting challenges to access safe, clean drinking water and to develop other vital infrastructure. These issues are often overlooked in policy because rural communities lack the resources, training or social networks that are found in urban areas. Learn how you can advocate for the under-served population in the West.

Founded in 1978, RCAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions. For more than 35 years, our dedicated staff and active board, coupled with our key values: leadership, collaboration, commitment, quality and integrity, have helped effect positive change in rural communities across the West. Learn more about who we are and how we operate.

Self-help housing resources

General resources

Funding Policy for Section 523 Grants for Fiscal Year 2019
USDA Administration Notice AN no. 4842 – Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants High Risk Determination
USDA Administration Notice AN No. 4840 – Supervised and Bank Accounts and Custodial Accounts Used in Conjunction with Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants
USDA Administration Notice AN No. 4831 – Self-Help Rehabilitation Program Guidance Acquisition and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Projects
USDA Administrative Notice AN No. 4828 – Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Application Processing
USDA Administrative Notice AN No. 4827 – Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Extensions and Final Evaluation
USDA Administrative Notice (AN) AN No. 4252 – Subject: Indirect Costing
USDA Administrative Notice Feb. 14, 2013 – New Homes Constructed Under Specific Energy Efficiency Programs as a Compensating Factor
502/504 Applicant Video Orientation Guide
- Form RD 3550-23 Applicant Orientation Guide
Form RD 2006-38 — Rural Development Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Impact Analysis Certification
Form RD 400-8 — Compliance Review
Single Family Housing Direct USDA banded income pilot—new income limits interactive map
SH Application Instructions and Forms Links – March 2017
Modest Housing Determination letter, Feb. 4, 2014
Generic Building Group Membership and Labor Agreement (posted 4-6-10)
RCAC SHARES Crib Sheet, revised 3-10
Self-Help Housing Fact Sheet

RD regulations and guidance forms

Due to technical problems, some of the RD forms are no longer available to outside staff on the USDA website. Until the accessibility problems are resolved, you can download the forms you need for your application here or contact your local RD office. For a complete and up-to-date listing of the forms and regulations, please go to the USDA website here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RegulationsAndGuidance.html.

Self-help housing resources

General resources

RD regulations and guidance forms

523 Grant

502 Direct Loan

SH housing training guides