The Front Porch Newsletter - August / September 2024

August - September 2024

Stable homes for children and its impact on education in the new school year

As summer fades and the back-to-school season begins, the critical link between housing and child well-being becomes ever more apparent. Stable, safe, and affordable housing is one of the most essential factors in ensuring the health, education, and future success of children across South Carolina.

Unfortunately, according to the 2024 State of Homelessness Report by the SC Interagency Council on Homelessness, 13,770 school children experienced homelessness or lacked a primary residence during the 2022-23 school year. Over half of these children were forced to live doubled-up with family or friends in overcrowded and unstable conditions.

Homelessness, especially among children, leads to a range of hardships, including disrupted education, social instability, and increased risk of abuse or trafficking. Without a stable home, children are more likely to struggle academically, miss classes, and face emotional and physical health challenges. The impact is profound and long-lasting, affecting their ability to build relationships, stay healthy, and succeed in school.

At SC Housing, we remain committed to providing solutions to housing instability that directly impact children and families across the state. Every day, our programs help provide the foundation that children need to thrive—stability, security, and the chance to reach their full potential. As you read this newsletter, we hope you’re reminded of the vital role housing plays in shaping the futures of South Carolina’s children. Thank you for your continued support in helping us make these dreams a reality.

SC Housing on the road, engaging communities

SC Housing has been actively engaging with communities across the state, sharing valuable resources and fostering conversations around affordable housing solutions.

Marlboro County Affordable Housing Summit - Aug. 21

At the Marlboro County Coordinating Council’s (MCCC) Affordable Housing Summit, SC Housing’s Jack Suber presented key initiatives from the Housing Trust Fund. Jack was joined by Clayton Ingram and Dorothy Sutton, who met with local community members.

The summit marked the culmination of MCCC’s yearlong effort to identify the critical housing needs in the Clio, McColl, Bennettsville and Wallace areas.

Kids' Day in Cross, SC - Aug. 22

SC Housing team members Renaye Long and Clayton Ingram participated in the 27th Annual Kids' Day at Cross High School.

Hundreds of families attended the event to access information and resources on jobs, health, and housing, furthering SC Housing’s mission of supporting communities across the state. 

Benefits & Wellness Fair - Sept. 5

SC Housing participated in the SC Department of Agriculture’s Benefits and Wellness Fair at the State Farmers Market.

The event provided Agriculture staff and other state employees with information on various aspects of health, wellness, and state benefits. 

FDIC Affordable Housing Forum - Sept. 12

Marni Holloway represented SC Housing at the FDIC Affordable Housing Forum at the Opportunity Center in North Charleston. She spoke on innovative strategies for affordable housing alongside representatives from FDIC, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The forum brought together nonprofits, housing developers, and community organizations to discuss financing and homeownership solutions.

Supportive housing Mirci Transitional Home for Female Youth breaks ground

The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (Mirci) Transitional Home for Female Youth, a Housing Trust Fund - Supportive Housing Project was the site of a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, Sept. 19.

The new ten-unit group home will provide transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming unhoused. Additionally, supportive services such as mental health counseling, learning healthy living habits, and education and employment skills will be provided to residents.

Project Specifics:
New Construction
Transitional Housing
Units = 10
Location: 2446 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205
Scattered Site: No
Acres: 0.27
All 10 units at 30% AMI
Paid by Owner