In this issue:

RCAC and Mountain Homeless Coalition Change Lives in Rural San Bernardino County

Beneath the dense pine canopy of the San Bernardino National Forest, Jane, a U.S. Armed Forces veteran and college graduate, faced an adversary she never expected: homelessness. Despite adhering to society’s prescribed path to success, this single mother became part of a fast-growing yet often invisible demographic—the “mobile homeless.” Suddenly, her family’s world had shrunk to the cramped backseat of her deteriorating car.

Case study: Letha Sewer District

Letha is an unincorporated town of 200 people in Gem County, Idaho. Households predominately have low median incomes. The Letha Sewer District’s all-volunteer board oversees the town’s sewer system, which was built in the mid-1970s and provides service to 56 households.

Training highlights

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

Cost-of-Service Analysis (Eastern Washington)
December 12, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time | Online

What is the “true” cost of water delivered? In this workshop we will break down the layers of what should be included in developing a rate structure for utilities. Participants will learn the process of collecting the data needed for calculating what it costs utilities to deliver clean, safe, reliable drinking water to their customers and how they can recover those expenses to sustain them in the present while also planning for the future of their system’s health. We will also be looking at the information needed to formulate rates as well as the different rate structure options. While this workshop focuses on drinking water, the concepts could be applied to other utilities, such as sewer utilities.  

Southern California Native American Water Master’s Association (NAWMA)
December 13, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific Time | Morongo Reservation – Fire Department, Banning, California

Announcing the next gathering of the Native American Water Master’s Association (NAWMA) funded by US EPA Region 9. The purpose of NAWMA training meetings is to provide a forum to discuss evolving drinking water regulations, technologies and issues facing tribal water utilities. The meeting supports local tribal water operators by providing contact hours needed to maintain drinking water certification and allows for networking with local operators. NAWMA sessions occur on a regular basis throughout the year and are coordinated by RCAC technical assistance providers.

A morning snack and lunch will be provided courtesy of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Navigating State Funding (California)
December 14, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time | Online

Does your system have a capital improvement project and are you trying to figure out where to start in the state funding process? In this class you will learn about the resources available to identify funding opportunities, the requirements of a state funding application and how to request assistance so your system is prepared to execute a funding agreement. Participants will learn how to request technical assistance and the types of assistance available, resources for identifying state funding opportunities and what to expect when completing a funding application.

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.