Housing | RCAP Solutions

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Need help managing your finances? Interested in developing a sustainable spending plan? At this workshop you will learn about managing personal finances and be empowered to make better decisions in order to achieve financial stability for yourself & your family!

Enrich lives by giving today! Your generous support will help provide clothing, school supplies, toiletries, pantry items, and other necessities to support hardworking families on their path to success.

Make a Difference, Give Today!

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program provides supportive counseling, financial education, and credit success workshops to housing choice voucher holders who dream of a brighter future for themselves and their families. FSS participants work one-on-one with a program coordinator to develop an action plan to achieve their goals – to secure better employment, advance their education, purchase a home, or start a business.

You can create a brighter future for individuals and families who strive for economic independence, workforce skills, and a better life!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE, GIVE TODAY! Alternatively, you may send a check to: RCAP Solutions, 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602

RCAP Solutions is exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Watch Our Video – FSS Program Helps Housing Choice Voucher Participants Achieve Their Goals:

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Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on October 3 & 10. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

NOTE: This HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop is designed to educate CURRENT homeowners. Those who do not yet own a home (but would like to) should take our First-Time Homebuyer workshop.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on August 15 & 22. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

In this MassHousing approved, HUD and CHAPA certified workshop, attendees will learn about programs available to assist income-eligible first time homebuyers; understand the steps in the homebuying process; meet with professionals who will discuss what to look for in a homebuying team; and receive the necessary certification required by many first time homebuyer programs.

Please note, this is a three-day hybrid workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on September 14, 21, & 28. Attendance at all three sessions is required per HUD guidelines.

The first two sessions will be held in-person on September 14 & 21 at our office on 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The third session will be held virtually on September 28 through Adobe Connect. Instructions on how to join the virtual session will be shared with attendees during the second in-person session.

Tickets are first come, first served. Limited seats are available. Join our mailing list and receive upcoming training notices by clicking here.

REGISTER HERE

In this MassHousing approved, HUD and CHAPA certified workshop, attendees will learn about programs available to assist income-eligible first time homebuyers; understand the steps in the homebuying process; meet with professionals who will discuss what to look for in a homebuying team; and receive the necessary certification required by many first time homebuyer programs.

Please note, this is a three-day hybrid workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on August 10, 17, & 24. Attendance at all three sessions is required per HUD guidelines.

The first two sessions will be held in-person on August 10 & 17 at our office on 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The third session will be held virtually on August 24 through Adobe Connect. Instructions on how to join the virtual session will be shared with attendees during the second in-person session.

Tickets are first come, first served. Limited seats are available. Join our mailing list and receive upcoming training notices by clicking here.

RCAP Solutions Partnering with Several Community-Based Organizations to Expand Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program Access to Individuals and Families Throughout Central Massachusetts

RCAP Solutions is proud to announce a partnership with Valuing Our Children, the Spanish American Center, and the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), which expands access to the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program for individuals and families throughout Central Massachusetts.

RAFT is a financial assistance program funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), which keeps struggling families safely housed. This program can provide eligible households with funding that can be used to help stay in current housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless. Anyone who is struggling to pay their rent or who are at risk of being evicted are encouraged to apply for the program. Funds can be used for rent arrears, utility arrears, short-term rental stipend, security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and more.

Thanks to this new partnership, clients who are unable to access or complete an online application may now reach out to RCAP Solutions directly or Valuing Our Children, the Spanish American Center, and the Worcester Community Action Council to schedule an appointment to be guided through the application process via an in-person or virtual appointment. This service is only available to residents living in a community where RCAP Solutions administers the RAFT program (see our RAFT Service Area Map).

RCAP Solutions administers RAFT funds and provides application assistance to residents throughout Central Massachusetts, however, residents of the city of Worcester who apply for the RAFT program will have their application processed by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA). As a result, RCAP Solutions will not be able to provide status updates to clients residing in Worcester after their application has been submitted. Further questions regarding the status of their application must be directed to CMHA.

“The Spanish American Center and RCAP Solutions have recently created a strong partnership to assist families in Central Massachusetts who need financial assistance with housing and utilities. This is a very meaningful partnership for all our Central Massachusetts residents,” explained Neddy Latimer, Executive Director of the Spanish American Center.

“Valuing Our Children is pleased to partner with RCAP Solutions in order to increase the accessibility of the RAFT program for families to secure and stabilize their housing,” said Kena Vescovi, Executive Director of Valuing Our Children, “Our organization sees many families coming to our centers in need of stabilizing their housing. This partnership offers families options to access RAFT financial support within their own community.”

“WCAC is very happy to build on our partnership with RCAP Solutions by helping to navigate clients to successful completion of their RAFT applications in Southern Worcester County,” remarked Marybeth Campbell, Executive Director of WCAC, “Through this partnership, we are eager help ease the application process and wrap around clients and their needs more wholistically by marrying access to RAFT with WCAC’s economic mobility strategies. We see this as a great opportunity to strengthen our work with RCAP Solutions as a respected resource in the region.”

“I am very proud that we can strengthen and grow our relationship with these fantastic, well-respected community organizations that do so much to assist individuals and families throughout Central Massachusetts,” concluded Brian D. Scales, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions, “This collaborative effort is vitally important and will allow us to better serve the region’s residents and break down barriers that may have existed in acquiring services.”

In fiscal year 2022 alone, RCAP Solutions provided over $43 million in funding to assist several thousand families in need.

Those interested in applying should be prepared with the following documentation; an ID for the head of household, proof of current housing (for example, a lease), proof housing crisis (for example, a notice to quit or eviction letter), and proof of income (for example, paystubs).

For more information about the RAFT program, application requirements, this community partnership, and more, please visit: www.rcapsolutions.org/hcec-application/

About RCAP Solutions:
RCAP Solutions is an integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of services in communities throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for over half a century as strategists of community-wide well-being. Our mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information, please visit: www.rcapsolutions.org

About Valuing Our Children:
Valuing Our Children (VOC) was established in 1993 to address the abuse and neglect of children by focusing on strength-based family support and community development. VOC serves as a hub of information and support for families by providing parenting education, support groups, information and referral services, family support and home-visiting. All programs are available to families at no cost and with no eligibility guidelines. For more information, please visit: www.valuingourchildren.org

About the Spanish American Center:
The Spanish American Center is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) multi-service organization with a mission to respond to the social, health, educational and cultural needs of the Twin Cities, Leominster/Fitchburg communities including surrounding areas with a special focus on the Latino community limited by language, poverty, and cultural barriers. The Center was founded in 1966 by priests from a local Catholic church, along with Latino leaders, who were seeing greater numbers of Latinos in their Parishes and were concerned that they were not receiving the services that they need. Director 35+ years of her leadership, Neddy Latimer, Executive Director, has shepherded the organization into ever widening services for the community. For more information, please visit: www.spanishamericancenter.org

About WCAC:
Founded in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty, Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is one of 1,000 community action agencies across the U.S. and 23 in Massachusetts created to address disparities throughout the nation. Our values of advancing equitable access, elevating all voices and partnering with people are embedded in the role we play as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Central and South-Central Massachusetts. WCAC embodies service to the community through our mission: Helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy. Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty one neighbor at a time. Through safety-net services and asset building solutions, WCAC creates economic mobility opportunities for tens of thousands of people annually through programs such as energy assistance, early education and care, financial empowerment, positive youth development, and career pathways. For more information, please visit: www.wcac.net

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on June 20 and 22. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on June 6 and 8. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

In this MassHousing approved, HUD and CHAPA certified workshop, attendees will learn about programs available to assist income-eligible first time homebuyers; understand the steps in the homebuying process; meet with professionals who will discuss what to look for in a homebuying team; and receive the necessary certification required by many first time homebuyer programs.

Please note, this is a three-day hybrid workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on May 10, 17, & 24. Attendance at all three sessions is required per HUD guidelines.

The first two sessions will be held in-person on May 10 & 17 at our office on 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The third session will be held virtually on May 24 through Adobe Connect. Instructions on how to join the virtual session will be shared with attendees during the second in-person session.

Tickets are first come, first served. Limited seats are available. Those unable to attend can join our waitlist for future workshops by clicking here.

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on June 20 and 22. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

Congratulations, you bought a house! Now what? By attending RCAP Solutions’ HomeSafe Post-Purchase workshop you will sharpen your knowledge and become equipped with the necessary skills to maintain your home and finances.

Please note, this is a two-day virtual workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on June 6 and 8. Attendance at both sessions is required to receive credit.

After registering, you will receive confirmation e-mail that you have signed up and we will provide additional instructions and a link to join the virtual workshop.

REGISTER HERE

In this MassHousing approved, HUD and CHAPA certified workshop, attendees will learn about programs available to assist income-eligible first time homebuyers; understand the steps in the homebuying process; meet with professionals who will discuss what to look for in a homebuying team; and receive the necessary certification required by many first time homebuyer programs.

Please note, this is a three-day hybrid workshop running from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on May 10, 17, & 24. Attendance at all three sessions is required per HUD guidelines.

The first two sessions will be held in-person on May 10 & 17 at our office on 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The third session will be held virtually on May 24 through Adobe Connect. Instructions on how to join the virtual session will be shared with attendees during the second in-person session.

Tickets are first come, first served. Limited seats are available. Those unable to attend can join our waitlist for future workshops by clicking here.

John and Rebecca’s Story: Using Funds From the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) to Improve a Loved One’s Quality of Life

John and his wife Rebecca have been living in their Shrewsbury, Massachusetts home for over 40 years. Rebecca, who met John at a company they formerly worked at, is an avid ornamentalist and hangs the walls of their house with numerous pieces of art and other décor, making their home their home feel truly cozy.

During 2014, the couple went to the doctor after noticing changes in Rebecca’s behavior, such as her difficulty remembering things and confusion when performing daily activities. Rebecca was shortly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

For several years the disease progressed. Rebecca began to use a wheelchair and John looked for new ways to make their home more accessible.

John and Rebecca’s bathroom proved difficult for mobility, as Rebecca could not lift herself into the bathtub-shower. For Rebecca to stay clean, she was given sponge baths. Their caregiver, who tends to Rebecca while John is at work, informed John of the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) and how it could improve Rebecca’s quality of life.

After applying for the loan, identifying a certified contractor, and construction was completed, John and Rebecca’s old bathtub-shower was replaced with an ADA compliant barrier-free shower, allowing Rebecca to be rolled into the shower using a shower wheelchair.

Thanks to HMLP, Rebecca is now able to take frequent showers with ease and John has peace of mind knowing that his wife can cleanse safely. After taking her first shower in several years, Rebecca, who has limited vocal capabilities, managed to express her gratitude by saying the words “thank you” and giving a kiss to the caregiver who was assisting her.

Tania’s Story: A Graduate of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program Who Didn’t Just Meet Her Goals, but Exceeded Them!

A single parent, Tania had been living in a subsidized housing apartment for several years when she heard about the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program from a friend. In 2016, when she first enrolled in the program, Tania used a wheelchair due to a rare inflammation in her back and knees, but that did not hinder her ambition.

A self-proclaimed “go-getter”, Tania came into the program with very clear goals:

Improve and build her credit score
Purchase a new car
Further her education
Grow her career
And accomplish the ultimate task – purchasing a home

Coupled by the support provided by RCAP Solutions and her extreme drive to succeed, Tania not only met these goals – but exceeded them.

The FSS Program is a 5-year program which helps Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders and Project-Based Voucher recipients to achieve economic stability. Program participants receive a financial incentive of an escrow account in their name that they will have access to after graduating the program. In addition, program participants work with a dedicated case manager to set milestones and achieve several goals which result in increased financial independence.

Tania first had to fix her poor credit score, which she did by attending a Financial Capability workshop at RCAP Solutions. She was able to review her credit report and removed excess and unused accounts. She opened a new credit card account and learned to budget so that she could pay her bills when they were due.

No longer needing a wheelchair, and due to the success of her newfound financial freedom, Tania was able to purchase a new car. She attended community college and graduated with a degree in accounting.

Tania’s employers at a home improvement retailer, impressed by her achievements at both work and in her personal life, promoted her twice since she began working there in 2017. Tania now serves as a district manager and oversees the installation of doors, windows, cabinets, and other miscellaneous home improvement projects for customers across the region.

In addition, Tania has been the recipient of several professional awards for her dedication and commitment to her co-workers, customers, and associates. Tania has taken on further professional development courses and enrolled in leadership skills training.

After spending so much time working in the home improvement business, Tania decided it was time for a home of her own. She enrolled in the First-Time Homebuyer Certification class at RCAP Solutions, which furthered her ability to finance the purchase and was connected to low-interest mortgage programs and down-payment assistance options.

Tania graduated from the FSS Program in August 2021 and is now a proud homeowner with over $15,000 in savings which she accrued during her 5 years in the program.

As for others considering enrolling in this program and becoming more financially independent, Tania says, “Anything is possible if you give it your all. If you put in the effort, everything will fall into place, and it will all get accomplished”.

🏠 November 2023 Financial Capability Workshop