Contact: Janice Clark | 202-842-8600, ext. 131 | janice@ruralhome.org

Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2008 – A new Rural Homelessness Capacity Building program launched this month will support the work of faith-based and community-based organizations serving homeless populations in rural America.

“Many small rural community organizations just don’t have the funding, networks, and information they need in order to help their homeless neighbors,” explained Moises Loza, executive director of the Housing Assistance Council, which created the new program. “Through the Rural Homelessness Capacity Building program, they can access tools and resources that will enable them to better serve homeless people.”

One-on-one technical assistance, audio web trainings, and online information will be available for rural homelessness provider organizations over the course of the three-year initiative. Selected organizations working in high need communities will also receive grants to pursue training opportunities, purchase equipment, or undertake other activities that will improve their ability to meet the needs of homeless people in their areas.

RHCB is funded by a Department of Health and Human Services Compassion Capital Fund grant. The Housing Assistance Council is operating it with help from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. For more information about the program, visit www.ruralhome.org/rhcbindex2.php or contact RHCB staff at 1-877-842-RHCB or RHCBinfo@ruralhome.org.

Founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council is a national nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C. that helps local organizations build affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training, and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment of the poor, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender.

###