WE ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

Residents of a small, rural community in Yuba County, CA, run a non-profit company that is shareholder owned and fulfills the community’s water and wastewater needs. This utility has operated in partnership with RCAC, California Rural Water Association, and the California Department of Water Resources to evaluate the water system’s performance and leak detections, which ultimately resulted in a pro bono water system assessment from a local engineering firm.

The community has 58 residential lots, of which 26 are developed. There are currently 26 active users of the water system who own septic systems on their approximate ⅓ acre lots. These systems were originally built in the 1960s.

Given the age of the systems, the tanks are outdated and in need of replacement. Rather than replacing the existing tanks with new, individualized septic tanks, the community is looking to assess the feasibility of establishing a centralized wastewater system.

An Oregon NGO dedicated to supporting Afro-Indigenous peoples and preserving Indigenous traditions through cultural education is looking for technical support with various projects within their community. Projects could include a multifaceted scope and a longer term commitment, ideal for student or professional volunteer groups.

Community Engineering Corps is partnering with the US Water Alliance through their National Environmental Finance Center to provide technical assistance on the island of Maui. The team is assisting with community engagement around different water supply options and is looking for a volunteer who can provide a thorough overview of County water reports, including the Water Use and Development Plan, water demand studies, and cost benefit analyses and feasibility reports for different supply options. The volunteer will help synthesize the findings and recommendations of these County water reports for the purposes of educating the community on the supply needs and feasibility of various supply options at future engagement events. Understanding the historic significance of Maui’s natural resources is critical for engagement, as water holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning for Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, given the recent wildfires on Maui, water supply is a particularly sensitive topic. Acknowledging these values and recent events ensures that water management respects traditional practices and local context, and fosters equity in decision making, preserving both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability while promoting community resilience.

A non profit organization operating across Puerto Rico is focusing on the preservation of affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing for the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Their efforts are focused on modernizing communities, adapting them to Puerto Rico’s current needs, and making improvements that enhance the residents quality of life. For their San Sebastian location, they require support assessing the potable water system.

An Oregon NGO dedicated to supporting Afro-Indigenous peoples and preserving Indigenous traditions through cultural education is looking for technical support with various projects within their community. Projects could include a multifaceted scope and a longer term commitment, ideal for student or professional volunteer groups.

As a way to support their mission of providing economic opportunities and promoting self-sufficiency for the people of Puerto Rico, a local non profit organization runs a small agricultural farm, producing native crops such as coffee and papaya. They are currently struggling to manage stormwater runoff as water, from even light rain, is causing damage to their crops and structures. The organization requires support in understanding the root of this issue and developing a sustainable solution that would allow them to recycle excess water for alternative uses.

Community Engineering Corps is partnering with the US Water Alliance through their National Environmental Finance Center to provide technical assistance on the island of Maui. The team is assisting with community engagement around different water supply options and is looking for a volunteer who can provide a thorough overview of County water reports, including the Water Use and Development Plan, water demand studies, and cost benefit analyses and feasibility reports for different supply options. The volunteer will help synthesize the findings and recommendations of these County water reports for the purposes of educating the community on the supply needs and feasibility of various supply options at future engagement events. Understanding the historic significance of Maui’s natural resources is critical for engagement, as water holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning for Native Hawaiian communities. Additionally, given the recent wildfires on Maui, water supply is a particularly sensitive topic. Acknowledging these values and recent events ensures that water management respects traditional practices and local context, and fosters equity in decision making, preserving both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability while promoting community resilience.

A non profit organization operating across Puerto Rico is focusing on the preservation of affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing for the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Their efforts are focused on modernizing communities, adapting them to Puerto Rico’s current needs, and making improvements that enhance the residents quality of life. For their San Sebastian location, they require support assessing the potable water system.

A nonprofit water utility district, which provides drinking water to a rural community in Kootenai County, ID, is looking to update its existing systems. The community’s drinking water infrastructure was developed in the 1960s, and has surpassed its useful service life. The utility is seeking Community Engineering Corps’ support to assist in the development of a Facilities Plan (Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Report), which will be used in an application for funding for the system’s rehabilitation. The utility is a small, community-owned water system that has not yet been able to find any assistance to finance a Facilities Plan.

This project is in partnership with the Rural Community Assistance Corporate (RCAC). RCAC plans on completing the Environmental Report component of the Facilities Plan.

A non-profit, Young Women on the Move (YWOM), helps middle and high school girls in Wyandotte County live healthier and more prosperous lives. They are operating out of a 100-year-old church donated to them in 2017. They have several needs stemming from that space as well as opportunities to expand their environmental justice impact and provide pathways to careers that support those goals. YMOM is planning to renovate a portion of the church. Additionally, adjacent to the church is a condemned property owned by the organization. YWOM is interested in having the property demolished to turn it into an outdoor classroom.

Residents of a small, rural community in Yuba County, CA, run a non-profit company that is shareholder owned and fulfills the community’s water and wastewater needs. This utility has operated in partnership with RCAC, California Rural Water Association, and the California Department of Water Resources to evaluate the water system’s performance and leak detections, which ultimately resulted in a pro bono water system assessment from a local engineering firm.

The community has 58 residential lots, of which 26 are developed. There are currently 26 active users of the water system who own septic systems on their approximate ⅓ acre lots. These systems were originally built in the 1960s.

Given the age of the systems, the tanks are outdated and in need of replacement. Rather than replacing the existing tanks with new, individualized septic tanks, the community is looking to assess the feasibility of establishing a centralized wastewater system.