Foundation launches $100M affordable housing initiative

MORNING HEADLINES | The Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina this month launched the Tri-County Housing Futures Fund, a $100 million initiative aimed at building more safe and affordable housing in the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county region.

With a goal to raise $100 million in five years, the plan seeks to fuel a three-pronged approach to expanding housing opportunities through community partnerships by:

Improving strategies to create new houses to buy and rent;
Providing repairs to existing homes; and
Providing more capital to finance housing in the area.

“If we don’t address this issue, the results affect all of us, including future generations of South Carolinians,” said Geona Shaw Johnson, CEO of the new Tri-County Housing Futures Fund. “Cross-sector collaboration, coordination and resource sharing are paramount to improving efficiency, which we believe will result in an increase in housing construction,”

The foundation expects to accumulate funding through a blend of capital through grants, loans and co-investment to support a variety of projects and multiply impact, according to the foundation.

Only $4,000 to go on $25,000 August campaign

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In weekend headlines

CP NEWS: Charleston City Paper’s Burger Throwdown kicks off. This “Best-Of-like”, 4-week promotion will take place between Sept. 1 through Sept. 20, as participants vote for their favorite place to grab a burger along with seven other fun burger topping categories.

CP OPINION: Saul: When did decency become a luxury? “As the podcast conversation turned toward politics, Nicolle asked, “when did decency become a luxury?” The dialogue that ensued discussed how decency has deteriorated in our current environment. As I walked and thought, unfortunately I had to nod my head in agreement.”

More than 100 fire hydrants across Charleston found to be out of service. An investigation found 146 fire hydrants across the Charleston Water System are currently damaged or otherwise out of service.

Charleston moves nearly 50,000 books as Main Library closes for renovations. Following the main branch’s temporary closure on July 31, Charleston County Public Library staff members are now busy relocating the building’s entire contents to a holding space to make way for renovations later this year.

Charleston Co. considers tax incentive for Robert Mills Manor renovations. The Charleston Housing Authority is planning to renovate Robert Mills Manor, a 217-unit property that has stood for 87 years. County leaders are considering a tax incentive that would cover the largest cost standing in the way of those renovations.

Charleston Co. schools launch mobile Head Start classroom. The district’s new Head Start recruitment bus makes outreach mobile, bringing Head Start and Early Head Start resources directly to potential students and parents.

LOCAL: Mount Pleasant police detail use of Flock cameras. The department said it is committed to the responsible use of the technology and has taken steps to ensure accountability and transparency. The public is encouraged to visit the MPPD Transparency Portal within the Flock website to learn more, according to the department.

CALENDAR: How to find cool things to do around town

Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.