Recently, SERCAP’s Certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) Loan Fund assisted a low-income couple in Martinsville, VA, with the installation of a new septic system at their home. The couple has owned their home for 50 years, but just recently began experiencing difficulties with their septic system. As it turned out, a drain filter was blocking the flow of wastewater, causing damage to the couple’s finished basement. However, due to their low-income status, they were unable to afford the cost of replacing the septic system, without causing serious financial hardship.
Fortunately, they were referred to SERCAP by Handy Septic, and the Loan Fund Department was able to approve the couple for an Individual Household Septic Loan in the amount of $7,900.00. Construction for the project was awarded to Superior Septic Services, and no future problems have been reported since completion. The Contractor installed a new drain field, inspected the old system, and replaced it with a new system. Now that the project is complete, the clients’ once again have an environmentally sound and reliable wastewater solution at their home.
Without SERCAP’s full slate of Programs and Services, many low-to-moderate income (LMI) individuals/families and rural communities would be forced to go without such necessities as environmentally sound wastewater disposal, reliable access to clean drinking water, indoor plumbing, safe and affordable housing, community development and infrastructure needs, water and 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)
*Funding for SERCAP’s Certified CDFI Community Development Loan Fund is primarily made possible by USDA Rural Development, and SERCAP’s own Agency Revolving Loan Fund. Additionally, all of SERCAP’s programs in Virginia, are leveraged by an annual Budget Appropriation granted to SERCAP by the Virginia General Assembly, and administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).