SC Affordable Housing Summit returns, advances housing solutions across the state

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Affordable Housing Summit concluded Thursday following a successful return after an eight-year hiatus, bringing together more than 500 advocates, nonprofit leaders, community organizations and industry partners to address critical housing challenges and explore solutions to the state’s growing needs.

The summit, presented by SC Housing and the South Carolina Affordable Housing Coalition, provided a forum for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, featuring panel discussions, expert presentations, and networking opportunities focused on expanding access to safe, affordable housing. Key topics included financing strategies, development best practices, policy updates and innovative approaches to increasing housing supply.

During his keynote address, SC Housing Executive Director Robert Macdonald said even though there’s a focus on results and output of the agency, the overarching mission of SC Housing is more intangible. 

“At SC Housing, we focus on outcomes – stable households, resilient communities and the responsible use of public and private resources,” Macdonald said. “It’s not just about dollars and investments. Our work carries a deeper mission. In many ways, hope is our business.”

Highlights from the summit included presentations from Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, research economist at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, and Todd Latiff, chairman of the SC Housing Board of Commissioners, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, journalist Scott Morgan, Lila Anna Sauls of Homeless No More, Fred Moore of U.S. Senator Tim Scott's office, and many others.

Participants engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships and identifying actionable strategies to support housing affordability and stability statewide. The summit continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders committed to addressing South Carolina’s housing challenges.

The crescendo of the event came during the closing session, when Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter was presented with the Clementa C. Pinckney Elected Official Award in recognition of her leadership in advancing housing opportunities across the state.

Additional awards included:

“What My Home Means to Me” Art Contest Winners: Kamren Key-Gore and On’or Cody

Mortgage Lender of the Year: Guild Mortgage

Loan Officer of the Year: Mike Watson, Benchmark Mortgage (Spartanburg)

Top Loan Officers: Shonna Lee (Acopia, LLC – Greenville), Brad Burdette (Lennar Mortgage – Columbia), Ashton Mitchell (Lower, LLC – Lexington)

Housing Development of the Year: Archer School Apartments (Charleston, Developed by Humanities Foundation)

Creative Partnership Award: Fairfield County School District Education Foundation’s Teacher Village 

Organizational Sector Award: Homes of Hope (Greenville)

Volunteer of the Year: Julia Mullen

Media Contact: Matthew McColl
Marketing and Public Information Director
matthew.mccoll@schousing.com
803-896-9520

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit SCHousing.sc.gov.