RRC

Founded in 1982, Rural Revitalization Corporation (RRC) was originally formed under the federally funded Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. This federal program had funded hundreds of urban revitalization projects at the time, but Cattaraugus County was the first in the nation to function in a rural location. RRC has successfully utilized over $11 million in grants to revitalize communities in Cattaraugus County. RRC has successfully partnered with the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, USDA, Community Development Block Grant, and Homes & Community Renewal to successfully help many low-to-moderate income residents. 

RRC serves as a Fair Housing Officer for several CDBG projects in Cattaraugus County. The Fair Housing Officer ensures that neighborhoods are inclusive and fair to everyone. RRC also supports three community gardens within the City of Olean (currently with funding from The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Design and Access) to ensure community access to healthy food and lifestyle choices. RRC has also partnered with Healthy Families Allegany/Cattaraugus (HFAC) to implement a children’s gardening program on these sites and use a garden curriculum with fun activities for children.  

RRC is also a part of a multi-agency collaboration that comprises the Youth Development Coalition (YDC) to promote positive youth development.  Together we teach financial education to middle and high school youth with multiple activities and programming options to prepare students for the financial decisions they will make as young adults.  Financial education is important to ensure the vitality of our neighborhoods for generations to come.