SERCAP 2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc.

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A Message from Hope F. Cupit

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SERCAP’s Financials 5 A SERCAP Story: Delaware

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A SERCAP Story: Maryland

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A SERCAP Story: Virginia

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A SERCAP Story: Housing

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A SERCAP Story: North Carolina

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A SERCAP Story: South Carolina

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Mission, Vision, and Impact

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Programs & Services 13 SERCAP’s Work & Impact in 2021

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SERCAP’s Dedicated Staff

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Board of Directors 17 In Memoriam 18 A SERCAP Story: Georgia

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A SERCAP Story: Florida

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A SERCAP Story: 22 A SERCAP Story: Technical Assistance

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SERCAP Recieves Multiple Awards in 2021

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SERCAP’s CDFI Loan Fund Grows in 2021

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Changing Lives with SERCAP

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A Message from Hope F. Cupit Dear Friends, As we look back over SERCAP’s 52+ years of service, we recognize that SERCAP’s founders believed that one concrete way to bring communities and individuals out of poverty was ensuring that water and sewer infrastructure was accessible for all.

Bringing water and sewer infrastructure to rural communities spawns economic development and growth, thus helping community and individuals rise out of poverty. During 2021 we have all witnessed the important role clean water plays in protecting the most vulnerable among us during this on-going global pandemic. SERCAP will continue to advocate for clean, affordable, and safe drinking water for the communities we serve, now and always.

Today, SERCAP’s very existence focuses on economic development opportunities through a variety of programs and services serving rural communities, including financial literacy, lending, indoor plumbing, solid waste programming, recycling, housing rehabilitation, water/wastewater plan upgrades and/or replacements, and ensuring there is access to safe drinking water. SERCAP sincerely believes that Water Is Life, and hopes that you will join us in this belief and mission. SERCAP’s mission is to improve the quality of life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and economic self-sufficiency.

As you read our annual report please note the following highlights from SERCAP’s 2021 fiscal year: • • • •

Served 121 Communities with Training & Technical Assistance Provided $80,593.12 in Affordable Loans to 10 LMI Households Provided Housing Rehabilitation to 5 Households Leveraged over $2 Million to Support Water, Wastewater, and Community Development Projects

In conclusion, please know that there is still a great deal of work to be done as it relates to economic development. It is important that we continue to invest in the infrastructure of our country to ensure continued growth. I encourage you to support our efforts by donating to the SERCAP Water is Life Foundation. You can learn more at www.sercap.org.

Thank You! Hope F. Cupit President & CEO

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SUPPORT AND REVENUE Grants $6,355,466.00 Other Income $443,455.00 Total Revenue

$6,798,921.00

EXPENDITURES Personnel $2,061,757.00 Fringe Benefits $825,757.00 Contractual $1,401,769.00 Travel $139,502.00 Space Costs $122,446.00 Interest Expense $7,239.00 Consumable Supplies $116,492.00 Rental, Lease or Purchase of Equipment $100,638.00 Other direct costs $50,459.00 Facilities Development $453,439.00 Allocated Indirect Costs $982,655.00

Total Expenditures $6,262,153.00

Change in Net Assets $536,768.00

Net Assets-beginning $4,999,921.00

Net Assets-ending $5,536,689.00

SERCAP’s Financials for 2021

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A SERCAP Story: Delaware

SERCAP Participates in Coverdale Community Clean-up Day in Bridgeville, DE On August 21, 2021, SERCAP and several other community partners participated in the Coverdale Community Clean-up Day. SERCAP and community partner First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA) along with volunteers from both agencies packed up dumpsters situated at Mill Park Drive and Nat Turner Street. Community Organizers say they chose to do the clean up because they wanted to dedicate their time doing something beneficial for the community.

The day started with light rain and very few volunteers. Hurricane Ida was bearing down on the Eastern Coast and Delaware was soon to be in its path. Once the rain eased off, volunteers met at the Coverdale Community Center. Keeping Delaware Beautiful, a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., provided safety vests and pickers.

The focus of the clean was split, between North & South. The dumpsters had been set the previous day by the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DWSA). One dumpster on Nat Turner St and two across from each other on Mill Park Drive.

Families from the area brought many discarded items from their homes to the dump sites. From TVs to unfinished decks and even parts of an above ground pool. Most of the materials were transported by pickup trucks provided by FSCAA. One volunteer used his Bobcat Backhoe for gathering and dumping much heavier loads up and over into the dumpsters. Throughout the late morning and early afternoon volunteers also spent time going directly to shut-ins to provide assistance with hauling old furniture and trash. Even as the heat index rose and thunderstorms began to roll in, the community continued to pack the dumpsters. In total the community collected more than 8.43 tons of litter.

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SERCAP’s Regional Program Provides Assistance to the Town of Berlin, MD Since 2019, SERCAP has been working with the Town of Berlin, MD by providing assistance with a water and wastewater rate study. Shortly after the Town presented its financial and usage data, COVID-19 set in and work on the rate study was halted when the town felt any increase or change in rates would be unwelcome. Work began again in 2020 and a preliminary projection of revenues and expenses was presented to the Mayor and Council in December, with work on a rate study comparison and full report continuing into 2021. The draft report was revised after a series of meetings with the town’s management staff and a final version was presented in November 2021 that highlighted several recommendations before offering a final opinion on new rates.

The first recommendation concerned the town’s non-revenue water. More than 24% of the water produced was not being billed, an amount significantly higher than AWWA’s recommended 10% maximum. SERCAP and the management team felt the biggest culprit were the town’s meters, 70% of which were more than 20 years old. To emphasize the significance of this issue for the elected body, SERCAP’s TAP translated that water volume into dollars of loss based on the current rates – more than $200,000 annually for water and over $300,000 for sewer being some 2.9 times more expensive than water. That loss was somewhat surprising but resonated with the town officials.

Secondly, the town was operating its water system at a loss, despite having no outstanding debt on the system and no funds budgeted or accumulated for reserves. The sewer system was also operating at a deficit but with a 30%+ debt load and no reserves. Both systems were being heavily subsidized by tax dollars from the general fund. The TAP also offered an opinion that the present rate structure was over-collecting in some ways and under-collecting in others, leading to a recommendation that the structure itself eventually be changed.

A SERCAP Story: Maryland

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A SERCAP Story: Virginia SERCAP’s Facilities Development Program Supports Willing Workers Club Water System SERCAP’s Facilities Development Program awarded a Facilities Development Grant to the Willing Workers Club Water System in the community of Carrollton in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

The Willing Workers Club Water System is a small, privately owned water system that serves the small minority community of Carrollton. The small community well system provides water service to 18 households. Due to the small number of residents hooked-up to the Willing Workers Club Water System relative to the operations cost required to maintain compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations, the system has become non-compliant, and therefore SERCAP is providing financial assistance to help resolve the situation.

The options considered for achieving regulatory compliance, included installing a treatment system, and potentially connecting the community to the Isle of Wight County Public Utilities. However, the cost of each of these options proved to be prohibitive and well beyond the means of the small community.

After these possibilities were considered and rejected, an additional option presented itself: split the single water system into two smaller ones. If an additional well is drilled, splitting the household connections between the existing community well and the newly drilled well, then each smaller system would fall below the 15 connections/25 individuals Community Water System threshold, and would no longer be required to comply with waterworks regulations, saving the community significant funds in operating and compliance costs. SERCAP awarded the Willing Workers Club Water System a grant in the amount of $32,000.00 through its Facilities Development Grant program to cover the cost of drilling the new well and installing the new distribution system.

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SERCAP’s Housing Team Assists Low-Income Elderly Woman in Rockbridge County, VA Recently, SERCAP’s Housing Department assisted a low-income, elderly woman living in Rockbridge County, VA, to have a new septic system installed at her home. The client has lived in her home for over 50 years, but recently began experiencing difficulty with her septic system. As it turned out, her septic system had failed, and she was in need of having a new individual household septic system installed at her home. However, due to her extremely low-income status, she was absolutely unable to afford the cost of replacing the failed septic system without suffering significant financial hardship. Fortunately, the client was referred to SERCAP by the Lexington Health Department, and the agency was able to qualify her for full financial assistance, by combining funds from three different programs.

The project was approved for $1,500.00 under SERCAP’s Essential & Critical Needs Grant program, $6,000.00 from SERCAP’s County Funds program, and was also approved for $9,000.00 in USDA 504 Grant funding. SERCAP is an approved packager for USDA’s 502/504 programs and was therefore able to assist the client in securing the USDA 504 funds, in addition to SERCAP’s agency funds. The project was awarded to Hunter E. Ayres General Contractor, for the full $16,500.00 project cost. The septic system installation work was recently completed, and now the client once again has reliable access to an environmentally sound wastewater solution at her home.

A SERCAP Story: Housing

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A SERCAP Story: North Carolina SERCAP’s Regional Program Trains Town of Belhaven in GIS Mapping In 2021, SERCAP’s Regional Program began working with the Town of Belhaven, North Carolina, on a GIS Mapping Project. The Town needed to have their wastewater collection system mapped, but the quoted cost of $40,000 was a significant expense for the Town. However, SERCAP was notified that the Town was in need of GIS Mapping, a service SERCAP provides at no cost to the recipient. SERCAP and the Town officials discussed the service and set a date to begin the mapping.

Following additional discussions, SERCAP and the Town determined that training Town Staff to conduct the mapping themselves would be the best long-term solution. The training provided skills necessary for Town staff to sustain the utility mapping data in ESRI’s ArcGIS Online (AGOL) environment.

Belhaven’s staff were knowledgeable and proved to be quick studies as they completed the connectivity of pipes in AGOL. By the end of the week, 86,444.52 feet of gravity main piping and 132,443.47 feet of force main piping were added to the map. The Town purchased their own equipment so that they can complete the mapping of the wastewater system, and map their other town systems, in the future.

Together, SERCAP’s staff and the Town staff surveyed 295 manholes, 15 lift stations, one wastewater treatment plant, six clean-outs, 46 force main valves, and 268 grinder pump stations. The Town of Belhaven’s staff have added an additional 4,236.43 feet of force main piping to the mapping, and they plan to update the wastewater utility attribute data with manhole depths, pipe inverts, manhole condition, and material. This is an on-going project, and SERCAP will continue to work with the Town of Bellhaven as they continue to map all of their town systems.

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In 2021, SERCAP’s regional program in South Carolina assisted rural communities to access funding available from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, proposed that the state use $500 million of its share of the American Rescue Plan funds to support improvements to water and wastewater systems located in rural communities.

Many of the communities that SERCAP has been associated with for years are in the main areas being viewed as needing some of these funds. SERCAP has been providing assistance to these communities to prepare them with the necessary support information such that they may be able to request a share of these funds. This assistance has been provided in various forms to include in-person training, site visits to review asset condition, in-person and virtual meetings, and one-on-one telephone calls. Support information have included estimates and narrative justification for the following: pipe assessment and replacement, emergency generators, transportation equipment, work equipment, tank assessment and repairs, alternate water source, wastewater treatment and source water system repair and upgrades, and meter replacement.

SERCAP has been providing direct assistance to communities to prepare them for requesting a share of the state of South Carolina’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funds, including: Clio, Lamar, Lynchburg, Eastover, Salley, Norway, Ridge Spring, Summerton, Prosperity, Whitmire, and Calhoun Falls.

By improving the water and sewer infrastructure in a rural community, it can transform the community by creating jobs, good schools, and a vibrant community. SC SERCAP continues to reach out to other communities to offer this same form of assistance.

A SERCAP Story: South Carolina

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Mission, Vision, and Impact

Since 1969, Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP) has been assisting both individuals and communities to gain access to: reliable sources of clean, safe drinking water; environmentally sound wastewater facilities; sound water and wastewater infrastructure for communities, and to complete indoor plumbing facilities for individual households. The agency keeps its Mission at the forefront of every project as the staff work to impact communities and change lives. SERCAP’s Mission is to: Improve the quality of life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and economic self-sufficiency.

In 2017, SERCAP’s Board of Directors and Staff engaged in a Strategic Planning Session which yielded the result of further defining the agency’s vision. SERCAP’s Vision is to: Provide communities with the resources and opportunities for a safe and healthy environment.

In the 49 years that SERCAP has been working for communities, the organization has added a number of programs that provide community development services, and help both individual clients and communities, alike, to achieve the ultimate impacts of improved Environmental Health, improved Economic Self-sufficiency, and improved Quality of Life.

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Technical Assistance for Water/Wastewater Systems Rate Studies Compliance Monitoring/Assistance Income Surveys SMART Solid Waste Training for Water/Wastewater Staff/Board Facilities Development Grants Essential & Critical Needs Grants Housing Services One-on-One Housing Counseling Financial Literacy Education Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Aging in Place Financial Services Individual Household Well Loans Individual Household Septic Loans Individual Home Improvement Loans Community Development Loans Small Business Loans Loan Application Assistance 502/504 Loan Processing ELI Entrepreneurial Mindset Training Business & Economic Development Services

Programs and Services

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SERCAP’s Work a Invested $3.2 Million directly into Small Rural Communities and LMI Individuals

Positively Impacted Over 76,000 Individuals throughout 2021

Served over 121 Communities through its Programs & Services, including the agency’s Water Is Life Fund!

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and Impact in 2021 Brought in over $6.8 Million in Revenue for the 2021 program year

Completed 5 Housing Rehabilitation Projects through the Indoor Plumbing & Rehab (IPR) Program

Assisted 28 Persistent Poverty Counties throughout the agency’s seven-state service region

SERCAP Team Members, Britni Arrington and Fred Jeter, exhibiting at the Virginia Governor’s Rural Summit

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SERCAP’s Dedicated Staff Hope F. Cupit President & CEO Beth T. Pusha Amanda Kelley Robert Cole Fred Jeter Lauren Mason Britni Arrington Lisa Banks Brian Brown David Bullington Tim Cotton Andy Crocker Ricky Crews Deborah Davoll Molly Deegan James ‘Jay’ Dillon Joan E. Douglas Anthony ‘Tony’ Dvorak Joe Fields Jennie Ford Mary Gavin Gloria Gentry Juel Gibbons Amanda Giorgio Ellen Green Joey Hiner Jacob Hodges

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Jean Holloway James Horton Devin Journiette Kim Martin Willie J. Morgan, P.E. Kim Overton Amy Pemberton Sherman Pennix John Poteat Vikki Prettyman Pam Price Kenneth Rodgers Kim Rutledge Sam Sarmadi Rachel Silver Ellen Smith Sheryvone Thomas LaFonia D. Thornton Randy Welch David White Angela Whitfield Cherry Wilson Daniel Wilson Cyndi Wood

Swynice M. Hawkins Chairperson “SERCAP wants to thank its service partners and clients who joined SERCAP to fulfill our primary mission. We ask that you continue to work with us.”

Walter Fleming, Vice Chairman E. Marie Watson, Secretary Shawn Utt, Treasurer Bertha Armstrong Keith Ashby Angela Bates Kevin Belcher George M. Fitz-Hugh, Jr. William Holt

Terry D. Lewis Clarence E. Martin Freddie Mitchell Carmela Moore-Orr Winfred E. Owens Dr. Alfred Roberts Jamie Sayler Jacquelyn Slayton

SERCAP’s Board of Directors

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In Memoriam: Russ Rice

Vincent Russell ‘Russ’ Rice, Jr., SERCAP’s Director of Planning & Development, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Russ began at SERCAP in the early 2000s as a member of the Planning & Development Department. He was promoted to Director of Regional Programs, but in 2011 he volunteered to move back to the Planning & Development Department as its director, following the retirement of a colleague.

During his time at SERCAP he supported the agency’s mission of improving the quality of life for low-income individuals, by bringing in additional project funding and supporting program staff to serve clients and communities. But more than anything, Russ was always a hard-working, supportive, and compassionate member of the SERCAP Team.

As a longtime member of the SERCAP Team, Russ contributed to the agency’s stability by ensuring that core funding streams were maintained, working with the State Managers to seek new funding opportunities, and by building strong relationships with both state legislators and members of Congress. Russ also oversaw the organization and implementation of Focus Groups in multiple small, rural communities, a key component of SERCAP’s Community Needs Assessment process. Russ was a mentor, leader, and friend to his colleagues. He encouraged everyone he met, and inspired his coworkers to do their best. Russ was always excited to celebrate wins and give recognition. He will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service for Russ was held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Legacy Church in Wytheville, VA.

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Cecil Allen McEntire, one of SERCAP’s Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) in South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Allen joined SERCAP in 2016, and was a highly valued member of the Regional Department and South Carolina team.

Allen’s professional career in the environmental field, included: serving as a private consultant, senior project manager, Principal Engineer, Vice-President of Engineering/ Operations, Executive Vice-President, and work with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Through his experience, he gained substantial knowledge in wastewater and drinking water treatment, engineering and operational requirements, and advanced training, including certification as a Trainer for the Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Allen supported the mission of SERCAP throughout his time with the organization by becoming very knowledgeable of the various funding sources available to small rural communities. He regularly used this knowledge and his experience to make the best recommendations for each of the projects he was involved with as an assignment. His valuable insight and vast experience will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service for Allen was held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at McSwainEvans Funeral Home Chapel in Newberry, SC.

In Memoriam: Allen McEntire

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A SERCAP Story: Georgia SERCAP’s Certified CDFI Loan Fund Assists Town of Hiltonia in Screven County, GA In 2021, SERCAP’s certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) Loan Fund department approved a Community Development Loan for the Town of Hiltonia in Screven County, Georgia. SERCAP’s Community Development Loan product provides affordable financing to local government entities, nonprofit organizations, public and private water/ wastewater facilities, Public Service Authorities (PSAs), Planning District Commissions (PDCs), and other community organizations in rural communities across the southeast United States, to support critical public infrastructure, community development, and economic development projects.

The Town of Hiltonia, GA is a small rural community with a population of only 323 residents, which sits between Augusta, GA and Savannah, GA. Recently, the Town reached out to SERCAP requesting assistance in securing funds to build a new Town Hall. The old facility was an insufficient space, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic defendants had to wait in their cars before appearing in Court, due to the restrictions. The Town determined that in order to grow, they would need a new permanent Town Hall that would better meet the needs of the community. Fortunately, SERCAP was able to step- in and provide financial assistance in the form of a $250,000.00 Community Development Loan. The total project cost came to $281,775.00, and the loan from SERCAP covers 88.7% of the cost of constructing the new Town Hall. The Town provided $31,775.00 in match funding to support the remaining costs associated with the project. The new Town Hall will serve the Town for decades to come, as Hiltonia, GA continues to grow and prosper. *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.

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Solid Waste: A New Program October 1, 2021 was the start date for the new program year for SERCAP’s Solid Waste program, funded by USDA Rural Development. For the past several years, SERCAP has had great success in organizing and implementing recycling programs in several schools in Florida, through its Solid Waste program funding. However, for its new program year, SERCAP is starting a vermicomposting project using a Worm Tower at four locations in Florida, including: Q.I. Roberts Middle-High School, South Sumter High School, Lafayette Elementary School, and the Lafayette 4-H Program.

Vermicomposting is a type of composting that uses earth worms, in this case red wigglers, to convert organic waste matter into usable fertilizer. Some of the positive impacts of vermicomposting, including: enriching the soil with micro-organisms, improving the structure of the soil, and increased crop yield for gardens and farms utilizing the fertilizer. The Worm Towers and worms were purchased for the project sites using USDA Rural Development (RD) funds.

In addition, the TAP added data maps to the original Story Map on Vermicomposting in the Classroom https://arcg.is/05aK8. The online maps demonstrate that SERCAP’s projects are located in Socially Vulnerable Areas (deep blue) as well as on the edges of Opportunity Zones (red).

A SERCAP Story: Florida

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A SERCAP Story: Septic Installation

In 2021, SERCAP’s Housing Department assisted a lowincome family of five (5) living in Albemarle County, VA, to complete a significant rehabilitation of their home.

The family has lived in the home since 2014, and recently began experiencing difficulty with their septic system, which turned out to be a failed septic system. Therefore, the family was in need of a new individual household septic system, however, due to their low-income status they were unable to afford the cost of replacing the failed septic system, without suffering significant financial hardship.

Fortunately, the family was referred to SERCAP by a family member, and the agency was able to qualify them for financial assistance through the IPR-Flex (Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation) Program. SERCAP’s Housing Team conducted an inspection of the structure and property, and found several critical repairs that needed to be completed in addition to the installation of a new septic system. The Housing Department approved the family’s house for significant rehabilitation, including: repairing the heat pump, installing new attic insulation, replacing the vanity and fan in the bathroom, repairing interior trim, painting two ceilings in the house, installing new smoke detectors, providing a termite treatment, installing a new Conventional Septic System, and much more.

Construction for the project was awarded to Coles Construction, for the full $39,750.00 project cost. The construction work was completed recently, and now the family once again has an affordable home that is warm, safe, and dry; which also has an environmentally sound wastewater solution.

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The Lighthouse Point Community Center operates a daycare center in Millsboro, Delaware, serving an infant population of thirty. The daycare center is an important anchor in the community and has been in operation since June 2015. Beginning in October 2019, the facility has been repeatedly found in violation of the nitrate average Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 ppm. This has resulted in the facility being subjected to several enforcement actions by the state regulatory agency, the Office of Drinking Water (ODW), over the years.

The facility was referred to the SERCAP for technical assistance by the ODW. SERCAP staff worked closely with them providing education on nitrate contamination, guidance regarding the options available for remediation, and information on system maintenance requirements. Based on their consultation with SERCAP, the facility selected a filtration system and installer which was approved by the ODW. With the ODW ultimately threatening to permanently shut down the facility, they were forced to move to immediately contract the services of Delmarva Water Solutions even though they did not have the funding in place to pay for the system.

After the facility made a request to SERCAP, the agency agreed to fully fund the new water treatment system (in the amount of $3,095). The facility also expressed interest in continuing to work with SERCAP regarding compliance with the new licensing requirements that will now be enforced pursuant to the installation of the new treatment system. Additionally, they are desirous of further assistance from SERCAP regarding the specific requirements for daycare facilities contained in the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

A SERCAP Story: Technical Assistance

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SERCAP Receives Multiple Awards in 2021

Photo Credit: Ricky Crews, Photographer; Tony Dvorak, Subject - Winner of the Best RCAP in the Field Photo at the 2021 RCAP Photo Awards.

In 2021, SERCAP staff, programs, and services were recognized by both colleagues and partner organizations. The agency received multiple awards at the 2021 National RCAP Conference, and was recognized by both the Virginia Housing Awards and FAHE, Inc. During the 2021 National RCAP Conference SERCAP received three (3) National RCAP Awards.

SERCAP Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) in North Carolina, Kim Martin, received the Outstanding Service Award, SERCAP’s fearless leader, Hope F. Cupit, received the Robert Stewart Leadership Award, and Rick Crews was recognized for his photography skills. The above photo, taken by Crews, received the Award for Best RCAP in the Field Photo as part of the 2021 RCAP Photo Contest. This recognition from the National Office illustrates the high quality of work being produced by SERCAP’s dedicated staff, and the positive long-term impact the agency is having on both its communities and individual clients.

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In addition to being recognized at the National RCAP Awards, SERCAP also received two housing awards in 2021. Over the past five (5) years SERCAP’s Housing Department has worked tirelessly to increase its efficiency, outputs, and long-term impact. During the 2020/2021 program year, SERCAP’s Housing Department completed five (5) housing rehabilitation project, investing over $217,000.00 through the agency’s Indoor Plumbing & Rehabilitation Flex (IPR-Flex), Program Income, and County Funds programs. Additionally, SERCAP continued providing housing rehabilitation specialist services to multiple Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 2021, these efforts were recognized by both the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference and FAHE, Inc. SERCAP’s Housing Team received the award for Best Rural Housing Program at the Virginia Housing Awards in November 2021. Additionally, SERCAP received an annual housing award from FAHE, Inc.

SERCAP’s Housing Team at the Virginia Housing Awards, including: Cherry Wilson, Fred Jeter, Ellen Smith, and Kenneth Rodgers.

SERCAP 2021 Awards Cont.

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SERCAP’s CDFI Loan Fund Grows in 2021

SERCAP’s Loan Fund Increases Capital by $2.9 Million In 2021, SERCAP’s certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) nearly doubled its capitalization through a carefully planned, but aggressive, funding development strategy that included: submitting application to the Department of the Treasury’s CDFI program for their Rapid Response grant opportunity, increasing the agency’s annual ask to USDA Rural Development for the Decentralized Water Systems (DWS) program by approximately 300%, and by submitting an application for IRP (Intermediary Re-lending Program) also through USDA. This strategy paid off, and the Loan Fund increased its available lending capital by nearly $2.9 million.

The Loan Fund received a $375,000 Rapid Response Grant Award from CDFI Fund to provide Small Business Loans of up to $50,000 to existing minority and/ or women owned businesses in rural communities throughout SERCAP’s sevenstate service region. SERCAP’s Loan Fund was also awarded a DWS (Decentralized Water System) grant of $1 million, and an IRP (Intermediary Re-lending Program) Grant in Virginia of $1 million. This additional loan capital will enable SERCAP’s Loan Fund to positively impact and improve the qualify of life for its low-tomoderate income (LMI) clients and communities through its array of affordable loan products for critical needs.

SERCAP is currently accepting applications for all of its loan products.

For More Information or to Request an Application: Contact SERCAP’s Loan Fund Manager, Sherman Pennix, via email at spennix@sercap.org or via phone at 540-345-1184.

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CHANGING LIVES with SERCAP Clean drinking water, environmentally sound wastewater solutions, and affordable housing that is warm, safe, and dry can change someones life in the most profound way. When an individual lives their whole life without consistent and reliable access to one of life’s most essential needs, they spend an extraordinary amount of time and energy focused on accessing that resource.

This leads to neglecting the activities that enrich our lives, such as education, career, and even time with family, friends, and community. The best parts of life take a backseat to the struggle for basic resources.

SERCAP is CHANGING LIVES one drop of clean drinking water, one flush of a fully functioning toilet, and one affordable house at a time; but SERCAP cannot change lives alone. YOUR support is critical to our success. By volunteering your time, sharing your feedback, and committing financial resources to SERCAP, you are enabling us to improve the quality of life for low-income individuals by promoting affordable water and wastewater facilities, community development, environmental health, and economic self-sufficiency.

DONATE NOW at HTTPS://SERCAP.ORG/DONATE-NOW

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www.sercap.org SERCAP, Inc. 347 Campbell Ave., SW | Roanoke, VA 24016 Phone: 540-345-1184 | Fax: 540-342-2932

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