IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The RCAP Solutions Worcester office will be CLOSED all day on Friday, May 26 for staff training. We’ll also be CLOSED on Monday, May 29 in observation of Memorial Day.
We will RE-OPEN and be available via email, phone, and fax on Tuesday, May 30 at 8:30 AM.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
RCAP Solutions’ 2021 Impact Report is here!
Last year was a challenging time for RCAP Solutions. Like so many other non-profit organizations, we continued to see the numerous impacts of the ongoing global pandemic in underserved populations, and we resolved to face these difficulties head-on. View our 2021 Impact Report to learn more about last year’s accomplishments and read stories from the people we serve!
We thank our partners and continued supporters and invite you to join us as we engage our communities in the realization of a collective vision, creating and implementing a plan to guide them to self-actualized and sustained success.
We look forward to a productive 2022 as we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our mission: To foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live.
Check out this testimonial from the Borough of Midland, Pennsylvania!
Our team in the Keystone State has been working this community to improve their water and sewer infrastructure through GIS mapping, application assistance for funding programs, and more.
Midland is a small, rural community located on the edge of western Pennsylvania. A former manufacturing giant, the borough has been attempting to drive small businesses back to the area in the wake of their steel mill’s closure, which once played a major part in Midland’s economy and workforce.
The consultant for the authority, Brigid Darbut, has been working with RCAP Solutions as well as several other community organizations and leaders to introduce revitalization efforts in the town, not only through improved water infrastructure, but through economic development, shared services, and more.
RCAP Solutions is pleased to announce the promotion of Mark Johnson to Deputy Director of Community Resources.
“As someone who knows something about the job Mark is about to tackle, I can say that the most important skill required is the ability to be flexible and consider the big picture when making decisions”, said Jenna Day, Director of Community Resources, “I have confidence in his ability to carry the role of Deputy Director with ease. Mark respects others’ opinions and is comfortable in sharing his knowledge and experience. I look forward to having his assistance shaping the future of RCAP Solutions’ work throughout the Northeast and Caribbean.”
Mr. Johnson received his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Johnson’s promotion comes after serving six years at the organization as Vermont State Lead.
Johnson has over 20 years of experience in the drinking water field. Prior to joining RCAP, he worked as a water quality engineer at a large, investor-owned water utility in California and before that as a water operator for a small municipal utility in Maine. In his previous role as Vermont State Lead, Mr. Johnson acted as the primary liaison to state primacy agencies and funding officials and provided direct technical assistance to small water and wastewater systems.
“Being able to work directly with Vermont communities on challenging water and wastewater issues has provided me with some of the most rewarding experiences of my career” said Johnson, “RCAP Solutions continues to broaden its impact yet remain flexible amidst a myriad of challenges being faced by rural America. I’m eager and thankful to have an expanded role in shaping that conversation and supporting the technical assistance providers who dedicate themselves to serving their communities and finding solutions.”
RCAP Solutions’ Community Resources staff works hand in hand with community leaders and homeowners to incorporate the best tools and resources suited to protect public health and the environment while progressing towards financial sustainability and improved quality of life.
About RCAP Solutions:
RCAP Solutions is a thriving integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of services and opportunities. Established in 1969, RCAP Solutions’ 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.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
RCAP Solutions’ Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) offers many workshops and trainings which are designed to support and educate tenants, potential homebuyers, and homeowners on purchasing and maintaining a home. We offer both virtual and in-person events.
Over the next several months, we will be offering First-Time Homebuyer education as well as Post-Purchase classes for individuals who recently bought a home. Stay tuned to our calendar of events as more workshops become available.
First-Time Homebuyer Workshops
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. Check out the flyer below for more information.
Jan 12, 19, & 26, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Hybrid
Register Here
Mar 8, 15, & 22, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Hybrid
Register Here
HomeSafe Post-Purchase Workshops
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. Check out the flyer below for more information.
Dec 11, 2021
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In-Person
Register Here
Feb 9 & 16, 2022
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual
Register Here
Apr 30, 2022
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In-Person
Register Here
If you have any questions, please email us at: HCECedu@rcapsolutions.org or call us at: 978-630-6772
Check out this testimonial from the chair of Grafton, Vermont’s Water/Wastewater Study Commission!
RCAP Solutions assisted the town in completing two surveys of their drinking water quality and wastewater management. Because the town has no central community system, residents rely entirely on individual water sources and wastewater disposal systems.
Through the Vermont Department of Health, our staff was able to acquire drinking water test kits, at no charge, for residents who rely on private wells. Fortunately, the water tests did not identify any contamination issues.
Nonetheless, RCAP Solutions encouraged the town to take a closer look at high-priority properties throughout the area. The town continues to improve their water and wastewater infrastructure, with RCAP providing strategic guidance and recommendations for state and federal funding opportunities.
This work is made possible because of the generous support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Notice to Local Boards of Health, Restaurants, and other Hospitality Associations about Beer Waste
The closure of restaurants, bars, and other venues due to the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in an abundance of beer and other food waste going stale in these establishments. Beer, in particular, has a very high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), making it what is referred to as “high strength wastewater”, which also has a very low pH. The combination of the beer’s high BOD and low pH, make disposing of stale beer in the sewer system extremely problematic, with the potential to cause damaging conditions within the sewer system and to potentially overwhelm the receiving wastewater treatment plant. Given the current volumes of stale beer and other food waste across the Commonwealth, it is imperative that it is disposed of properly. MassDEP and MWRA recommend:
AmazonSmile customers can now support RCAP Solutions in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click here for instructions.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued guidance regarding the issue of stagnant water in buildings as people head back to the office and other facilities. Please see the message below or click on this link.
Make sure water in your pipes is fresh
During the COVID-19 pandemic some buildings and facilities have little or no water running through the pipes and fixtures for an extended period of time. These stagnant water conditions can result in discolored water, lower chlorine levels, higher concentrations of lead and copper and even the proliferation of Legionella, under certain building conditions. Fresh water should be drawn into the building water systems and stagnant water flushed out before the buildings are reopened.
EPA and MassDEP recommend that building owners and managers take proactive steps to protect public health by minimizing water stagnation during closures and taking action to address building water quality prior to reopening.
Use the following steps to get fresh water into your building:
Resources
Dear Valued Colleague,
The COVID-19 response from RCAP Solutions is intended to keep our customers, and staff isolated from exposure and potentially stem the spread of the virus. We are still open for business with staff available for phone and remote web-based meetings. Staff travel to meetings is postponed during this time period as well; if they were scheduled to attend an in-person meeting, they would be in touch to coordinate remote participation.
We have the tools and resources to meet with you remotely; please be in touch with your contact to reschedule any meetings scheduled until April 21st. On trainings and workshops scheduled in all our states and territories, look for updates in the next few weeks with either links for online workshops or postponement plans. Our National partner is negotiating Training Contact Hours for web-based training vs. the required in-person trainings, and we will communicate when we have more information.
We have included a World Health Organization technical briefing on water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus as well as the latest information from the USVI Department of Health, which has guidance on mitigation strategies.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance as we take these steps.
Sincerely,
The RCAP Solutions Team
USVI Department of Health Alert
What you need to know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Handwashing: Keeping Your Family Healthy
Stay Healthy. Wash Your Hands.
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
