West Sacramento, Calif. — Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) received an $832,841 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help rural residents find housing, make informed housing choices or keep their current homes.
RCAC was among 31 national and regional organizations, six multi-state organizations, 19 State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs) and 207 local housing counseling agencies to receive a housing counseling grant, which aims to help about one million households across the country. As a HUD-approved national intermediary, RCAC provides technical assistance, training and financial support to many housing counseling agencies that serve rural communities throughout the American West. RCAC’s housing counseling program increases the capacity of established and emerging housing counseling agencies, including Tribal-based organizations.
The housing counselors RCAC supports guide and advise consumers who are buying or renting a home, are homeless, are seeking reverse mortgages, have credit issues or are at risk of default or foreclosure. Housing counselors educate first-time homebuyers, help homebuyers select the right mortgage product and help buyers avoid predatory lenders. Since 2004, RCAC’s housing counseling sub-grantees have helped more than 110,000 clients.
“Housing counseling is a critical tool to help increase and protect homeownership,” said Stan Keasling, RCAC chief executive officer. “We leverage HUD funds to ensure that housing counseling agencies are equipped to provide essential services to their clients.”
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 the Pacific islands. RCAC provides a broad range of community and economic development services and lending to support local efforts. About RCAC >>
Contact: Julia Helmreich
Director, Communications, Development & Events
(916) 447-9832 ext. 1008
jhelmreich@rcac.org
