Recently, SERCAP's Housing Department assisted a low-income household of two (2) (an elderly man and his adult daughter) living in Buckingham County, VA, to rebuild their home through the agency’s Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Flex (IPR-Flex) program. The clients had been living in the home for 26 years, and after that length of time, the structure had fallen into significant disrepair, and hosted a failed septic system. However, due to the clients’ low-income status, they were unable to afford the cost of the project on their own. Fortunately, one of SERCAP’s previous IPR-Flex program recipients referred them to the agency for assistance, and due to their low-income status they qualified for the program.
Following multiple inspections of the property, SERCAP’s Rural Housing Specialists determined that the necessary repairs were extensive, and that the structure qualified for a Substantial Reconstruction. A Substantial Reconstruction is when the existing structure is demolished and new house is built in its place. The full project cost came to $120,400.00, and construction for the project was awarded to Harvey’s Enterprise and Sons. Construction for the project was recently completed, and the clients now have an affordable home that is warm, safe, and dry, with restored access to an environmentally sound wastewater solution and ADA features added to the home.
Without SERCAP’s full slate of Programs and Services, many rural communities and low-to-moderate income (LMI) individuals would be forced to go without such necessities as reliable access to clean drinking water, indoor plumbing, safe and affordable housing, community development and infrastructure needs, water/wastewater infrastructure solutions, and more. It is important to remember that even in the US in the 21st Century; there are those who do not have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water, environmentally sound septic facilities, and affordable housing. In order to help SERCAP continue to provide assistance to both the individuals and communities in need, please consider making a donation to SERCAP’s Water Life! Fund!
Donate Today: https://sercap.networkforgood.com/ (opens new window)
*SERCAP’s Housing Program is primarily made possible by the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development’s (DHCD) Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Flex (IPR-Flex) Program, by County Funds (Budget Appropriations) from counties across the Commonwealth of Virginia, and by Program Income Funds from the IPR-Flex Program. Additionally, all of SERCAP’s programs in Virginia are leveraged by support from the Virginia Budget Appropriation, granted by the Virginia General Assembly and administered by DHCD.