SERCAP's Programs and Services support essential Community Development across the agency's service region, by providing Training, Technical, and Financial Assistance to rural communities across the Southeast United States. By promoting Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Development and Affordable Housing solutions, SERCAP encourages Small Business Development and overall Economic Growth, which contributes to the Quality of Life for the residents of the communities SERCAP serves.
SERCAP's certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund provides Community Development Loans to local governments, public service authorities, user associations, nonprofit organizations, and other community entities for the development and/or construction of large-scal community projects, including: building a new water/wastewater treatment facility, installing water/wastewater laterals for a low-income development or neighborhood, repairing/replacing a water storage tank, or for any other valuable community development project. Communities can borrow up to $250,000 at an interest rate ranging between 3% and 7%. SERCAP's Community Development Loans are available in all seven of SERCAP's states.
In Virginia, SERCAP's Facilities Development Grant program provides grant funds for similiar community development projects, with a bit more focus on water and wastewater infrastructure projects. For more information contact SERCAP's VA State Manager at 540-345-1184.
SERCAP is a nonprofit partner for several rural multi-family housing properties across the Commonwealth of Virginia. SERCAP's partnership and investment in these properties, facilitates affordable housing that is warm, safe, and dry for low-income individuals in these communities.
SERCAP provides rate studies for water systems, infrastructure planning or development and ensures adequate resources are in place to attack future businesses. Another area of technical assistance is GIS surveying of communities. Should disaster strike a community, we are also able to partner with the community to support emergency recovery. Often times these services are offered at little to no cost.
We regularly host community workshops to encourage education and empowerment of individuals within rural communities as it relates to water, wastewater and housing issues. This includes topics like credit counseling, homebuyer education and the complexities of water systems.
One way we enjoy supporting community development is by helping elected officials and government leaders understand how to plan for long term water, wastewater and housing success. We also support these leaders, and their communities, with emergency preparedness planning. Other areas of expertise are asset management and budgeting for long term system and equipment needs.
The individuals responsible for leading and guiding communities have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. If you are that leader, don’t feel as if you need to work through your complex community issues alone. We provide resources, support and a way to have a conversation with your community that is collaborative and solution-focused when facing infrastructure issues.
We want rural communities to be seen and we have a role in making their needs visible. We can host focus groups to better understand issues and needs. Additionally, we provide advocacy at larger level--such as meeting with government representatives, elected officials and large financial institutions. We advocate for the needs of rural communities.
