COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: OUR MISSION
Community Development is the cornerstone to community revitalization.  Critical infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer and utilities are basic needs often lacking in rural communities.

Farm workers and migrant farm workers, who make up the largest percentage of the residents of the Eastern Coachella Valley, have the benefit of the Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment (DACE) to help address their needs and initiate improvements.

DACE’s commitment to community development includes partnerships with local authorities to expand and improve access to potable water, sewer, and utility systems, and the design and construction of public parks and community centers that provide a common gathering place for public services, community meetings, and forums.

DACE works with residents through a network of project specific Advisory Committees and Community Councils to plan and develop facilities that are accessible, affordable, and available to the community at large.


WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?


Mobile Home Parks: Affordable Housing Should Be Safe and Clean for All Valley Residents
DACE staff is actively working with local subcontractors to manage the repair of dilapidated and unhealthful mobile home parks in Thermal, Oasis, and Mecca by partnering with the Riverside County Economic Development Agency to rehabilitate failing septic tanks and dangerous, sub-standard electrical systems.

Currently under construction is the total rehabilitation of a mobile home park in Thermal (see images above). This park will benefit from new sanitary septic systems, electrical systems, and systems, domestic water, and paved, lighted roads.

 Plaza Esperanza: Mecca’s New Vision for Retail Access

On June 26, 2007, DACE was awarded a $2.4 million U.S. Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Award to help cover the cost of construction of Plaza Esperanza, a 32,000 square foot retail center and small business incubator located in Mecca. Already signed on as tenants are vital community services such as Altura Credit Union, Correo y Mas (Mail and More) mailing and office services, a laundromat, auto parts store, and several new restaurants.

Plaza Esperanza will be located at 91441 Second Street, Mecca

Clean Drinking Water for a Thirsty Community: 100 Palms Water Pipeline Project
In a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Division, and the Coachella Valley Water District, DACE secured a $1.4 million USDA grant and is moving forward with plans to build a three quarter mile water pipeline to bring clean water to the residents of the 100 Palms Colonia Community located in Oasis, at the intersection of Old Highway 86 and Middleton Road. Currently residents rely on aging, contaminated wells for drinking and bathing, and often spend precious discretionary income on the purchase of bottled water. Construction on the pipeline is expected to begin in Fall 2007. 

Shelter for Migrant Farm Workers: San Felipe Migrant Housing and Community Center

Also benefiting from the new 100 Palms water pipeline extension is the San Felipe Migrant Housing and Community Center, which will provide a 48 bed facility for traveling farm workers. The project will feature a community center and kitchen, and restful areas for farm workers to relax at the end of their long workday.

The San Felipe Migrant Housing and Community Center will be located at 67035 Highway 86 in Thermal.


Sanitary Sewer for Residents of Avenue 62
In partnership with the Coachella Valley Water District, who will own, operate and maintain the new line, DACE secured a 2.4 million dollar grant and is managing the entitlement and construction of a new sanitary sewer line that will serve the residents of the Avenue 62 Community in Thermal. Upon completion of final engineering plans by the end of summer, construction is expected to begin in late 2007. 

Critical Infrastructure: Fire Protection for the Oasis Medical Clinic

In rural areas basic, and often lifesaving, needs must be delivered before other services can be established. In July of 2007, with a $150,000 grant from the Rural Communities Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and Desert Community Empowerment Zone funds, DACE managed the entitlement and construction of two massive 15,000 gallon water tanks and pumps for the fire protection of the Oasis Medical Clinic, an outpatient medical facility serving the needs of very low income residents in the Oasis, Thermal, Mecca, and North Shore areas.

For more information on these or other DACE Community Development programs, please contact:
Mr. Sergio Carranza
Project Manager
Community and Economic Development Department
Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment
(760) 391-5050, extension 225
sergio@dace-rancho.org

Mr. Michael Dixon
Project Coordinator
Community and Economic Development Department
Desert Alliance for Community Empowerment
(760) 391-5050, extension 245
michael@dace-rancho.org

Home | About DACE | Board of Directors | Board Agendas and Actions | About Rancho | Community Living | Residential Living
Single Family Infill Housing | Housing Rehabilitation | Housing Services | Good Neighbor Services
Community Profiles | Empowerment Zone Tax Incentives | Newsletters | Careers | Contact Us