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The state of South Carolina offers several supportive housing options for people who are experiencing homelessness, are low-income, have disabilities, or are older adults. These options are designed to provide affordable, safe, and supportive living environments for those who need them. Both state and federal funding sources, along with non-profit organizations contribute significantly to these initiatives. Let's have a closer look at some of these housing support systems:
Public Housing programs exist across the nation, including South Carolina, and are predominantly funded by the federal government. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funds directly to local public housing agencies (PHAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments. Qualifying individuals or families pay a percentage of their income for rent and utilities.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is another federal program implemented locally by PHAs. Eligible individuals and families are given more flexibility in choosing what type of housing they want to live in. Rather than being restricted to living in public housing, they can select any rental property where the landlord accepts Section 8 vouchers and the unit meets program requirements. A portion of the resident's rent is paid directly to the property manager by the PHA.
This program combines the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across the nation, including various locations in South Carolina.
HUD provides capital grants to non-profit organizations to build, rehabilitate or acquire supportive housing for persons with disabilities. In addition to the capital grants, HUD provides rental assistance to help make these properties affordable. This program is designed to allow persons with disabilities live as independently as possible within the community.
This federal program provides assistance with energy costs for low-income households, including those in South Carolina. Benefits can include assistance with energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
There are many non-profit organizations in South Carolina that offer supportive housing options. Some organizations, like the United Housing Connections (UHC), focus on connecting individuals and families with affordable housing options. The UHC also works to address homelessness and provides supportive services to individuals in need.
The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) operates the state's Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The HTF provides loans and grants to non-profit and for-profit developers and public agencies for the development, preservation, and rehabilitation of essential and affordable housing across the state.
South Carolina presents a range of supportive housing options for its residents in need. The various programs and agencies aim to not only provide housing but also to create opportunities for improving the quality of life and living conditions of its beneficiaries. The combined efforts of federal funding, state programs, and non-profit organizations are ensuring that no one is left without a safe and secure place they can call home.