Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation Receives NeighborWorks America Grant to Invest in Community Development and Affordable Housing in Rural Northern California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025

Ukiah, CA — Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) is proud to announce it has received a $332,000 grant from NeighborWorks America to support affordable housing development in Rural Northern California.

This investment arrives at a critical time, as communities across the country face continued economic uncertainty and persistent housing shortages. The grant will allow RCHDC to build and/or preserve affordable homes, providing much-needed stability and opportunity for residents.

“We’re grateful to receive this support from NeighborWorks America,” said Ryan LaRue, CEO of RCHDC. “This funding strengthens our ability to address the growing needs in our communities. We deeply appreciate the continued advocacy of Congressman Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, who remain strong supporters of housing and community development in Rural Northern California.

RCHDC’s success in carrying out its mission is evidenced by the successful creation of 232 new construction units for a variety of target populations, including developmentally disabled individuals, severely mentally ill and homeless individuals, transitional age youth, and general low-income families in just the last 5 years. We are confident that this grant will help streamline the development of an additional 259 units currently in the pre-development stage and enable us to continue our mission of providing decent and affordable housing to low- and moderate-income persons.

Impact

J.S. once had a career, a wife, and two boys, until his mental health and drinking took control of his life. He hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab, which destroyed his family. Since being housed with RCHDC, he has been able to maintain his sobriety, start school, and be a part of his boys' lives again.

RCHDC encourages reporters and stakeholders to review impact statistics in the latest Impact Report, which highlights how these investments are changing lives in communities like ours.

For more than 45 years, NeighborWorks America has supported community-based organizations like ours with funding, training, and tools that make a measurable difference. We are thankful to Congress for providing this consistent support that helps us meet local needs and respond in real time to our community’s most urgent challenges.

To learn more about RCHDC and our work in Rural Northern California, visit www.rchdc.org. To learn more about NeighborWorks America, visit www.NeighborWorks.org.

Thank you,

Ryan LaRue

Chief Executive Officer

Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation