Where: Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington

Problem: Low-income families lack affordable housing opportunities

Solution: Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) provides technical assistance to Peninsula Housing Authority to implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Mutual Self-Help Housing Program

Peninsula Housing Authority serves Clallam and Jefferson counties on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, providing affordable housing services and operating the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. Lack of affordable housing is a growing concern on the peninsula and Peninsula Housing Authority is the key affordable housing developer, both rental and single-family.

This past year, Peninsula Housing Authority’s Self-Help Program staff had a 75 percent turn-over due to retirements and job transition. RCAC provided extensive technical assistance to the new staff, primarily to the loan packager on the requirements and processes for USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Loans. RCAC continues to review its loan packages prior to submission to ensure compliance with regulations. Without RCAC’s assistance, Peninsula Housing Authority would have been unable to meet its housing program goals.