SCAHAED

We are an association of executive directors serving all 43 housing authorities in SC. We have no paid staff, but operate as a consortium to support each other and to deliver outstanding service to our community. Offering the best housing option for the price is our number one priority. We are an association of leaders. Many of our members are parents, serve in community organizations, volunteer with local charities, and contribute to programs and groups that make SC a great place to live. We offer reasonably priced training and continuing education for our membership and housing authority staff. 

HOUSING AUTHORITY FACTS

Housing Authorities across SC serve over 40,000 households averaging 3 persons per household creating a total population served of 120,000 SC citizens.

SC housing authorities are among the most effective and efficient in the nation. No SC authorities are rated by HUD criteria as “substandard” or “poor performers.” Through the leadership of SC housing authority directors, more than 200 families have become home OWNERS .

A variety of resources have been put to excellent use to assist potential homeowners– from SC Housing Trust fund to local banks and from HUD specialty programs to local churches and civic groups. Members of SCAHAED have investigated the resources and maximized the available dollars to help SC citizens get their fair share of the federal, grant, charity, and private dollars to accomplish an American dream… a home of your own. 

	SC Housing Authorities employ close to 1000 individuals including part time and temporary workers.
	SC Housing Authority Directors also serve the Region and the Country. Our members have served as President of CCHRCO ( North & South Carolina), as President of SERC ( 10 Southeastern States) and currently as President –Elect of NAHRO (National organization of 2987 housing service providers)
	SC is home to some of the oldest low cost housing in the nation with both Charleston and Columbia authorities created in 1934. Housing authorities in SC range in size from smallest @ 18 units to the largest @ 4673 units.

SC authorities have received local, state, and national recognition for innovation, for outstanding operations, for leadership and for design excellence. Ask your local housing authority director for a review of the accomplishments in your area.

Local Impact on Economy

SC Housing Authorities bring into SC over $180,000,000.00 in grants, subsidies from the Federal Government. No State, City, or County funds are allocated to housing authorities. Most SC housing authorities administer a Section 8 Voucher program that subsidizes rent in private markets. SC housing authorities pay out over $83,000,000.00 to private property owners in rental subsidy. In many markets the housing authority is the largest customer for utilities and other local services. Housing authorities have a significant economic impact on the communities where they are located. Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) are also paid to local governments for additional economic benefits to the City or County. This amount varies based on rents collected and utility expenses. From the first housing act of 1937, however, housing has always been about more than shelter. The 1937 act provided housing as an employment program and as a way to eliminate slums in cities. Today’s housing programs, as required in the QHWRA of 1998 ,offer assistance with education, employment, and self sufficiency. A safe place for individuals or families to find shelter and solace from the world, however, is always our first priority. Membership in SCAHAED helps us to meet the Federal Government’s expectations and to assist fellow citizens in need.

Impact on the Household 

Residents of public housing and recipients of Section 8 Voucher assistance are by definition struggling financially and in need of support and guidance. Programs across SC are working to meet these needs. After school and homework centers, job counseling, literacy, drug abuse prevention, and home ownership programs are offered at many housing authorities across SC. We help families in crisis– whether the crisis is financial , educational, or recreational. Police sub stations, adult education, criminal domestic violence safe homes, and even entrepreneurship programs can also be found at some local housing authorities. Housing—a safe place to go to… matters and it affects many aspects of a family’s life. Job applicants need an address where they

can be reached. Students need lights and a quiet place to study, children need clean water, warmth, and shelter as much as they need food. Without a regular place to call home, how would any of us function? The fair market rent (FMR) averages $507.00 for a 2 bedroom unit while in SC. the average per capita income is $18,785.00. Using HUD’s guideline of 30% of adjusted income for rent and utilities, a family of 4 could only afford to pay $445.00 for rent and utilities. Who pays the difference? Where can a SC citizen live in decent surroundings for $445.00 FOR RENT AND UTILITIES?