What is WISP?

CDI has worked with manufactured homeowners across New England since 2009, helping them cooperatively purchase and democratically manage their neighborhoods. CDI is now launching the Water Infrastructure Support Program (WISP) to help both resident- and nonprofit-owned communities access the funding to build safe and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure.

Manufactured-home communities (MHCs) are an essential source of affordable housing for New England. But often their infrastructure is at the end of its useful lifespan, so major investment is needed to sustain these affordable communities for the long term.

WISP bridges the gap between the worlds of water infrastructure funding–traditionally geared towards municipalities–and MHCs. This program provides FREE technical and managerial support to connect eligible MHCs across New England with available funding sources, including USDA-Rural Development.

What services are offered?

1. Assessment

• Assess existing technical, managerial and financial condition
• Report findings and make recommendations
• Draft policies and procedures

2. Project Development

• Environmental Review
• Permitting Assistance
• Preliminary engineering and final design

3. Secure Funding

• Identify funding sources
• Help to apply for funding
• Financial planning and project sequencing

4. Project Implementation

• Disbursement support
• Funding requirement compliance
• Capital improvement planning

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, the MHC in New England must be

• Resident-owned or nonprofit-owned
• In a USDA Water and Environmental Program (WEP) eligible area
• In a town with under 10,000 people and a median household income lower than the state median:
  • CT $88,069
  • MA $82,128
  • ME $49,754
  • NH $67,105
  • RI $81,311
  • VT $55,307

CDI can quickly determine if your MHC is eligible when you request assistance below.