Government programs offer rent subsidies for low-income South Carolina residents.
Nonprofit organizations and the federal government sponsor the majority of low-income housing programs available in South Carolina. Federal programs offer rent subsidies and affordable public housing, and nonprofit organizations provide low-income rental housing and homes for sale. Each program requires you to meet income limits and availability of housing units may vary, depending on where you live in South Carolina.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program subsidizes your monthly rental payments and allows you to choose the home you want from the private rental housing market. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding for the HCVP and local public housing agencies administer benefits. The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority administers the HCVP in Lexington, Clarendon, Lee, Colleton, Kershaw, Dorchester and Fairfield counties. Local housing authorities administer the HCVP in other South Carolina counties, including Marlboro, Florence and Cheraw. The HCVP requires you to meet income limits to qualify and you must pay part of the monthly rent from your own funds. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates more than 24,000 South Carolina households receive rent subsidies through the HCVP.
Public Housing Program
The Public Housing Program receives funding through HUD. Local public housing agencies throughout South Carolina offer public housing units, providing a home for more than 14,000 households statewide, according to Center on Budget and Policy Priorities statistics. The PHP offers various housing styles, including apartment units and scattered single-family homes, and typically requires you to pay about 30 percent of your income for rent. The program offers affordable housing to the elderly, disabled people and low-income households, but you must meet income limits to qualify.
Section 515 Housing
The Rural Housing Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers funding to individuals, nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies through the Section 515 program. Section 515 grantees must use funds to provide affordable rural housing for low-income people with disabilities, senior citizens and very low- to moderate-income households. To live in Section 515 housing, you must meet income limits, based on the average median income in your local area. If you need additional assistance to afford Section 515 housing, you may qualify for the USDA Rental Assistance Program, also referred to as the Section 521 program. The RAP provides subsidies to help pay your housing costs and typically requires you to pay no more than 30 percent of your own income for utilities and rent. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates more than 6,000 South Carolina households receive rent subsidies through the Section 521 program.
Private Organizations
Certain private organizations offer affordable housing for low-income South Carolinians. The Neighborhood Housing Corporation, for instance, offers rental housing and homes for sale to the disabled, senior citizens and families. NHC bases your eligibility on household income and offers housing in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Lauren counties. Genesis Homes offers rental homes and homes for sale to low-income residents living in the Greenville area. The organization offers 2- and 3-bedroom homes and duplexes and you can choose from housing in numerous neighborhoods.
Tags: South Carolina, income limits, meet income, meet income limits, more than, rent subsidies
