More than $38,000 awarded to nonprofits addressing affordable housing in Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester Counties
CHARLESTON, S.C. – September 10, 2015 – The REALTORS® Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF) has awarded $38,120 to 8 local organizations addressing affordable housing in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties. This summer’s funded projects will support a variety of nonprofit programs addressing areas such as home repair, homeowner education, financial literacy and rental assistance.
One of this year’s RHOF grantees, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, will use their $5,000 grant to build Phase 1 homes in their new neighborhood, Heritage Oaks, located on Camp Road on James Island. Construction is set to begin in November for the four homes in Phase 1. All homes will be Energy Star certified. Founded on Johns Island in 1978, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate formed in South Carolina and the third in the world.
Another grantee, The Sustainability Institute (SI), will use their $4,920 grant to renovate two historic freedman’s cottages on the peninsula through a partnership with the City of Charleston’s Housing and Community Development Department, Historic Charleston Foundation, Morris St. Baptist Church and Gethsemane Baptist Church. RHOF funds will support building materials needed for energy efficiency upgrades.
The renovated homes will create safe and affordable rental housing for 4 low-income families, while also providing training for the Energy Conservation Corps, SI’s Americorps-affiliated workforce program that trains youth and military veterans to become certified home performance contractors in the energy efficiency industry.
Established in 2003 as an endowment of Coastal Community Foundation by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®, RHOF distributes grants biannually to Lowcountry organizations who assist in the development, maintenance, or repair of housing for those whose dreams on homeownership are challenged by our region’s increasing sales prices. RHOF has awarded more than $820,000 since its founding. For more information about RHOF, please contact Ali Titus at ali@coastalcommunityfoundation.org or 843-793-6035 X101.
Summer 2015 RHOF Grantees & Funded Project
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity – Faith Build 2015; First Habitat Home on Rambo Road
Family Services, Inc. – Homeowner education for the underserved
Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County – Minor/Critical Home Repair Program
Metanoia – Financial Literacy & Homebuyer’s Education Program
One80 Place – Rental Assistance to 3 Families in Transition
Operation Home, Inc. – Critical Home Repair Program
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity – Heritage Oaks Home Construction
The Sustainability Institute – Upgrades to homes for 4 families/rehabilitation of Freedman cottages through Energy Conservation Corps
About Coastal Community Foundation: Coastal Community Foundation empowers individuals, families and organizations to make a lasting impact through permanent, endowed funds for charitable giving. The Foundation serves Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties. To learn more, go to www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org or call (843) 723-3635.
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