Access to affordable housing is a growing challenge in the region. One often-overlooked opportunity is to maintain existing homes in order to keep them safe and sound for their residents. Fixing a compromised structure allows residents to stay in place, keeps communities together, and prevents people from joining the growing ranks of the homeless.
More obvious is the need for additional housing stock. But what’s often less clear is the negative impact development can have on existing communities.
A new, $250,000 grant by Boeing, and matching funds by the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, promise that scores of community members will have renewed hope for safe, sustainable housing.
The bulk of funds will be distributed to numerous local non-profits that help homeowners repair homes in order to stay in them. The need is stark: a new roof can cost $8,500 or more; a bathroom remodel costs around $7,000; floors $6,000.
“Clearly, costs like that are hard to shoulder for anybody living on a fixed income,” said Kaela Hammond, with CCF. “Numerous local non profits have been working for years to help homeowners stay in their homes. And this generous grant by Boeing, alongside the South Carolina Community Loan Fund, will go a long way to strengthening our communities.”
Homeownership Builds Communities
Keeping families in their homes and communities is key to maintaining strong local ties. In addition to addressing repairs to the built structure, funds may support HVAC system fixes, and over time may help with maintenance…to avoid more expensive repairs.
Meanwhile, dramatic area population growth also demands new housing stock. To that end, funds will go to the Exit 218 Affordable Housing Planning effort. While CCF will not be developing the community, we will be convening community members to best determine hyper-local affordable housing needs.
“The housing crisis in our service area is real,” said Darrin Goss, Sr., President and CEO of CCF. “By collaborating with other non profits, as well as private sector developers, construction professionals and others, we can affect very real, very sustainable change for many in our region.”