In this issue:

Fresh Eggs, Fresh Start:
NDN Eggs Cracks Local Market with RCAC RELieF Loan

Mornings arrive early in Hoopa, a small community nestled amidst the towering redwoods of Humboldt County. This secluded rural California town, where the Hupa Indigenous people have stewarded the land for countless generations, marches to its own beat. Before the first light, Jack McNertney stirs. A member of the Yurok Tribe, he begins his day by caring for the 50 hens in his custom-built chicken coop. These hens are vital to his small business, NDN Eggs, providing the essential product that underpins his venture.

If you like this, read our past RELieF program stories below.

Flattening the impact – How RCAC’s RELieF program helped sustain a freelance journalist during the pandemic

Hawaii-based advocacy journalist Libby Leonard was leaning into her new career as a freelancer until the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly derailed her career, her finances, and seemingly her entire life. Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s (RCAC) Re-Emerging Loan Fund (RELieF) program ensured that she overcame the crisis and could continue writing powerful, community-centered stories for a global audience.

Rough and Ready Fire Protection District

Rough and Ready is an unincorporated census-designated place in Nevada County, California, with an estimated population of 905 people. The community was first settled during the 1849 gold rush and named after the Rough and Ready Mining Company. Land use is primarily rural-residential with some local commercial use. Home-based entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, retirees and those who commute to Grass Valley, Nevada City and Beale Air Force Base support the local economy.

Indigenous voices, immersive experiences: RCAC helps Navajo Nation tourism venture overcome pandemic challenges

Southeast Utah’s towering mesas and lush canyons hold a special place in Louis Williams’ heart. As a Diné (Navajo) native, he grew up surrounded by the Indigenous languages and natural beauty of his ancestral land, instilling in him a profound respect for its fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage. Through his tour guide company, Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures, Williams hopes to provide visitors with an unforgettable and immersive experience that showcases….

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.

Training highlights

AB54 & AB240: Ethics for Mutual Water Company Board Members (California)

June 4, 2024 | 6:00-8:00PM  Pacific Time
Hampton Inn & Suites Napa, Napa, California

This workshop allows mutual water systems to comply with this regulation and helps prepare them to better govern their mutual water company. This workshop meets the legal requirement for board members ethics training under AB54.

Drought Reporting Compliance and Public Notification (California)

June 5, 2024 | 8:30 AM-3:30 PM  Pacific Time
Hampton Inn & Suites Napa, Napa, California

As California grapples with the challenges of prolonged droughts, it’s crucial for water utilities to understand the legal requirements and best practices for drought reporting, as well as communicating with the public. This training will touch on the requirements and deadlines (including but not limited to Water Code Section 10609.61), how to….

Drought Planning for Small Systems Symposium (California)

June 6, 2024 | 8:30 AM-3:30 PM  Pacific Time
Hampton Inn & Suites Napa, Napa, California

In September 2021, California Senate Bill 552 was signed by Governor Newsom and enacted into law. SB 552 includes new responsibilities and requirements to help small water suppliers and rural communities reduce their risk of inadequate water supply during a water shortage event. In this workshop we will share the emerging awareness and….

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

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).

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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.