Recently, SERCAP’s Housing Department was able to assist an elderly gentleman in Buckingham County, VA, to replace the heater in his home. The client has lived in his home for 31 years, and recently began experiencing some difficulties with his heater. He reported that his old gas heater was difficult to light and it would not remain on, causing him to periodically lose heat. However, due to being low-income he could not afford to replace the heater on his own, without experiencing financial hardship.
Fortunately, SERCAP was able to step-in and provide a Grant in the amount of $547.00, through Program Income Funds (part of the Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Program), to cover the full cost of the new heater. Tiger Fuel was awarded the contract and installed the new heater. Now the client once again has reliable heat in his home, making it warm, safe, and dry.
Without SERCAP’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, and other similar services, many low-income individuals and communities 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.
*SERCAP’s Housing Program is primarily made possible through the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development’s (DHCD) Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation (IPR) Program, through County Funds (Budget Appropriations) from counties across the Commonwealth of Virginia, and through Program Income Funds from the IPR 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.