About Us
Columbia Housing has an essential role in our community to provide affordable housing for people with low and moderate incomes.
Housing is primarily a private market enterprise and most housing in this country is privately built and owned. Nevertheless, the federal government has long played a role in assisting in the provision of safe, decent, and affordable housing for low-income families. The low-rent Public Housing program was the original effort through which the federal government supported this policy goal. Due to chronic underfunding by Congress over the years, public housing currently has an estimated $90 billion in capital needs backlog, according to a 2024 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Columbia Housing has provided housing for the most vulnerable residents of our community for over 90 years, utilizing the traditional Public Housing Program funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, public housing agencies around the country face challenges due to the continued decrease in federal funding. Recognizing these challenges, HUD has provided new opportunities for innovative solutions that more easily access private sector capital.
To address the physical needs of the current Public Housing portfolio and to meet the ever-increasing demand for affordable housing, Columbia Housing has embarked on an aggressive plan to reposition its existing real estate portfolio and expand affordable housing opportunities. Over the next few years, Columbia Housing estimates its Vision 2030 Development Plan will invest over $500 million dollars to preserve and expand affordable housing. This investment will not only increase the quality and supply of affordable housing, but it will also provide economic opportunities for local minorities, women, and small business enterprises; and we actively engage their participation in Columbia Housing's development efforts.
We are pleased to share our vision along with the Guiding Principles and Values that will drive the repositioning strategies set forth in this strategic plan.
OUR MISSION
Provide quality and affordable housing opportunities as a strong foundation for all to thrive.
OUR VISION
Be the leader in providing housing opportunities for the community we serve by leveraging strategic partnerships.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES & VALUES
- We believe that all individuals, no matter what their background or life circumstances, have the right to safe, quality, affordable housing.
- We will provide the highest quality housing, complemented by supportive services and excellent property management.
- We will expand individual and community capacity by engaging local minorities, women, and small business enterprises in all development efforts.
- We believe that collaborations and partnerships with community stakeholders will enable us to further enhance our work.
- We will engage and develop our employees, enhancing their knowledge, growth, and understanding so that they may better serve the citizens of Columbia and Richland County.
- We are stewards of limited resources and will use our resources to thoughtfully develop properties and programs that meet immediate and long-term needs to achieve maximum impact.
Affordable Housing Development Partners:
- The Benoit Group
- Brinshore Development
- Hallmark | Duvernay-Brooks
- FA Johnson and Mercy Housing
- Penrose Development
- Paces Foundation
- Connelly Development
- Integral Development & Columbia Empowerment Zone
