In this issue:

Story highlights from 2023:

RCAC and CEDC Provide Hope and Homes for Working Families in California’s South Coast

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) are on a mission to make affordable housing a reality for struggling families in Ventura County, California and the surrounding region. For over three decades, CEDC has partnered with RCAC to create thousands of affordable homes and continues to make a difference through its latest project, the Bryant Street Apartments in Ojai.

Sweet RELieF: RCAC loan helps woman-owned organic farm flourish amid pandemic

When COVID-19 struck, Rock Front Ranch in California’s Cuyama Valley faced an uncertain future. With a $25,000 loan from RCAC’s RELieF program and dedicated training from RCAC’s BRE team, this regenerative organic farm not only weathered the storm but emerged with an even stronger foundation for future success.

Little Colorado Meats brings farm-to-table benefits, food justice to struggling family ranches

Arizona’s Round Valley is home to Apache County’s twin communities of Eagar and Springerville. Just 15 miles from the state’s border with New Mexico, the sister cities are the self-proclaimed “Gateway to the White Mountains.” Eagar-Springerville borders the oasis-like Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which contains diverse ecosystems, abundant fishing streams, dozens of lakes, hundreds of mountains and part of the world’s largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest. The Little Colorado River slashes through the valley, bringing milky, sediment-rich snowmelt and runoff to the greater Colorado River.

Canjilon: RCAC bolsters New Mexico village’s push for water security

Perched atop a mesa in northern New Mexico’s Rio Arriba County, the small village of Canjilon is a living testament to the deep-rooted heritage of its community. Home to nearly 300 residents, primarily of Hispano and Indigenous descent, Canjilon’s roots stretch thousands of years, during which the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo peoples have called the surrounding lands home.

RCAP Makes a Critical Difference on Hawaii’s Big Island

Kawaihae Village is a small hillside community in Kawaihae, an unincorporated town at the base of Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island. The village is a planned unit development (PUD) surrounded by breathtaking ocean views that was originally built in the early 1970s for workers at the nearby Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. A 15-minute drive inland will take you to Waimea, known locally as Kamuela, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Trainings highlights

For questions about event registration, please email RCAC Events at registration@rcac.org or call (916) 447-9832 ext. 1429.

Dealing with “Forever Chemicals:” PFAS in Drinking Water (California)
January 23, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | San Luis Obispo

The issue of PFAS contamination is being highlighted throughout the country with many experiencing anxiety over possible water contamination.  PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals which include Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). Known as “forever chemicals” PFAS compounds have been found widely in the environment including thousands of groundwater sources throughout United States.

Budgeting for Small Water Systems (California)
January 24, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | San Luis Obispo

In order to remain viable, all public water systems need to acquire and manage sufficient financial resources to achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. One primary tool to become and remain viable is developing and maintaining a comprehensive budget.

Small Systems Operations & Maintenance (Nevada)
January 23, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time | Eureka

This learning event is intended to introduce the basic concepts of running a small water system efficiently and effectively. This class is a great fit for those new to water operations or for those looking to brush up on their knowledge of small system operations and maintenance.

Affordable Housing Loan Program

RCAC financing helps developers build single and multifamily affordable housing units for low-income families. RCAC’s housing loans allow for short-term acquisition, pre-development, site development and construction of single and multifamily affordable housing. If you are interested, please download our program flyer and learn more about loan application requirements. RCAC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Looking for a new and exciting career path?

Join our passionate team and make a difference in rural communities throughout the West! We work in diverse and low-income communities to increase access to affordable housing and safe drinking water, promote economic opportunity and job creation, and provide financing for community and economic development projects.