Annual Report | 2019-2020 CommUNITY Impact Report
From the Office of Ivory N. Mathews, Chief Executive Officer
I am excited to share with you some of the highlights of my first year at Columbia Housing.
When I arrived at the agency, we began by solidifying a team that would help develop and execute strategic services/programming to make it clear that our residents are our TOP priority. That resident-first philosophy requires a special emphasis on maximizing our operational efficiencies to better serve those residents while being transparent and accountable. We understand that public trust is earned, and it is important to work to earn that trust every day.
In that spirit, we are happy to share some of the highlights of our efforts to provide quality affordable housing to residents we serve while providing wrap-around services to empower them and improve their quality of life.
We are grateful for the support of a committed Board of Commissioners, chaired by Ernest W. Cromartie III. Together with our residents, Board, community partners, and a committed staff of professionals-Columbia Housing presents its inaugural CommUNITY Impact Report.
Yours in Service,
Ivory N Mathews, Chief Executive Officer
To view a copy of our 2019-2020 CommUNITY Impact Report, please click here.
CommUNITY Impact Report
July 2019 - August 2020
Columbia Housing - CH Cares
ColumbiaHousingSC.org
CEO Reflections
by Ivory Mathews
The lack of affordable housing in communities throughout America is one of the most pressing issues of our time. In fact, the United States is facing a full blown affordable housing crisis. The National Low Income Housing Coalition found in 2018 that a renter working 40 hours a week and earning minimum wage cannot afford a typical two bedroom apartment in any county in any state in America.
The access to decent affordable housing should be available to all American citizens. Sadly, it is not.
When I came to Columbia Housing in Columbia, South Carolina as its Interim Executive Director in July 2019, my goal was the same as it has been when I worked at public housing authorities in other parts of the country. That is, to provide the best affordable, safe, and decent housing to as many people as possible.
Six months prior to my arrival, Columbia Housing was challenged with the loss of public trust. Restoring public trust was paramount.
A transformation of this magnitude for an 85-year old company is no small undertaking, not the least during a year where we would face insurmountable challenges of a global pandemic.
We laid out our 12-month plan with the following four principles incorporated in transforming the culture of Columbia Housing:
- Putting Residents First
- Rebuilding Public Trust
- Increasing Organizational Efficiency
- Creating a Climate of Transparency and Accountability
Using these principles, my team and I have an unrelenting focus on the preservation and creation of quality affordable housing for the families we serve. We are determined to fully utilize the talents of all our staff and leadership team to meet these goals.
We are committed to provide quality service to our 6,000 families while meeting the mounting challenges that accompany the crippling health crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic. We have and will continue to develop and implement innovative and ingenious solutions to improve communications with our families, stakeholders and the general public; using technology, and a host of creative platforms to engage the community with us as we strive every day to be even better than we were the day before.
In the pages that follow, we invite you to read about our efforts over the past year. We do not take lightly our privilege and opportunity to provide quality affordable housing to the 16,000 residents in Columbia Housing's portfolio.
In Service,
Ivory N. Mathews
Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Leadership Team
- Ivory N. Mathews - Chief Executive Officer
- Yvonda A. Bean - Chief Operating Officer
- Marisa Phoenix - Chief Financial Officer
- Cynthia Hardy - Senior Vice President of Communications
- Cindi Herrera - Senior Vice President of Development & Procurement
- Cynthia Gore - Vice President of Human Resources
- Nathan Childs - Vice President of IT Services
- Talarria "TJ" Jackson - Vice President of Resident & Family Services
- Taleshia Stewart - Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
- Candice Tollison - Vice President of Housing Choice Vouchers Program
- Tierria Hilton - Regional Property Manager
- Latoya Nix - Regional Property Manager
- Marlon Epps - Superintendent of Maintenance
- Damian White - Community Safety Manager
Board of Commissioners
- Ernest W. Cromartie, III, Esq.
- Chairman - Chair of Executive Committee
- 05.10.2016 to 05.10.20212
- Anne Sinclair
- Vice-Chairman
- 03.05.2019 to 03.05.2024
- George Green
- 03.01.2016 to 03.01.20212
- Selena Pickens
- Chair of Finance Committee
- 09.07.2017 to 09.07.20222
- Georgia Mjartan
- 03.05.2019 to 03.05.2024
- Kara Simmons
- Chair of Human Services Committee
- 03.05.2019 to 03.05.2024
- James Chatfield
- Chair of Development Committee
- 03.05.2019 to 03.05.2024
Chairman's Message
by Ernest W. Cromartie, III, Esq.
It is my pleasure to serve as Chairman of Columbia Housing's Board of Commissioners. It has also been an honor to work alongside this committed Board of Commissioners: Vice Chair Anne Sinclair, and members Selena Pickens, George Green, James Chatfield, Kara Simmons, and Georgia Mjartan. The leadership and service of an involved Board of Commissioners, such as ours, are essential for meeting the housing needs of the residents we serve.
As Commissioners, we take seriously our responsibility for the governance of the Authority. At Columbia Housing, we are blessed with a very competent, qualified staff to execute programs and deliver services in support of our mission.
This has been a transformative year at Columbia Housing. In July 2019, the executive director of 20 years retired, and we hired Ivory Mathews as Interim Executive Director. A short six months after Mrs. Mathews was hired - we were hit with a global pandemic and SC Governor Henry McMaster issued a Stay-at-Home Order for all non-essential employees. Mrs. Mathews and her team made the operational adjustments to ensure quality resident services were still delivered-despite the global pandemic raging around us.
After serving a year as Interim Executive Director, in June 2020, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to hire Ivory Mathews permanently in the role of Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director. Mrs. Mathews is a proven leader and a highly regarded professional in the public housing industry.
It is also important that I express how grateful we are for the many community partners working in tangent to address affordable housing and social service needs of our 6,000+ families. We are especially appreciative of the City of Columbia and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin for their partnership and support.
As the Chair of the Board of Commissioners and on behalf of my fellow Board members, we applaud the commitment of our staff and that of our many community partners to put our residents first in all that we do to meet their affordable housing needs.
In Service,
Ernest W. Cromartie, III, Esq.
Chair, Board of Commissioners
Our Mission
"Because Columbia Housing Cares, we are leveraging the power of housing to build a foundation for individuals to thrive."
6,700+ Families Served by Columbia Housing
$52 Million in HUD Grants
Other Affordable Housing
- 704 Other Affordable Housing Units
- 143 Discrete Component Units (Tax Credit LP)
- Tax credit partnerships whereby CHAD is the general partner and an equity investor is the limited partner.• Celia Saxon I
- 234 Blended Component Units (CHAD Units)
- Entities that are so intertwined with the primary government (Columbia Housing) that they are, in substance, the same as the primary government and are presented as part of such.
- CHAD
- SC Affordable Housing, Inc.
- TS Martin
- Capital Heights
- Bay Berry Mews
- Entities that are so intertwined with the primary government (Columbia Housing) that they are, in substance, the same as the primary government and are presented as part of such.
- 327 Business Activity Units (Columbia Housing)
- Properties owned in the name of Columbia Housing generating and utilizing defederalized funds.
- Bentley Court
- Carter Street
- South Beltline
- Windsor Point
- Rosewood
- English Meadows
- Springwood
- Yorktown
- Properties owned in the name of Columbia Housing generating and utilizing defederalized funds.
Public Housing
- 1,684 Public Housing Families
- Public Housing is HUD assisted rental properties owned and managed by Columbia Housing & Cayce Housing. Rental units are located in communities throughout the City of Cayce and Richland County.
- 73 Homeless Families (Continuum of Care)
- In partnership with the City of Columbia, United Way of the Midlands and the University Of South Carolina School Of Medicine, Columbia Housing provides affordable housing and rental assistance to chronically homeless individuals with disabilities through the Housing First Program. Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform to pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life.
Housing Choice Vouchers
- 4,034 HCV Program Families
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as the "Section 8" program, provides housing assistance in the form of vouchers to families who rent properties from private landlords.
- 414 VASH Vouchers (Veterans Assisted Supportive Housing)
- A collaborative program between CH, HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing to Veterans who are eligible for VA health care services and are experiencing homelessness.
- 15 HOPWA Families
- The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Program (HOPWA) is the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.
- 67 HCV Home Ownership Program
- HCV-assisted families use their monthly vouchers assistance to purchase a home.
- 140 Mainstream Voucher Program Families
- The Mainstream Voucher Program allows CH to provide rental housing assistance to non-elderly persons with disabilities.
- 95 Moderate Rehabilitation Program
- A housing assistance payment contract between private owners and Columbia Housing on previously renovated units.
- Family Self-Sufficiency - Open to All Columbia Housing Residents
- 51 Family Self-Sufficiency Program Participants
- The Family Self Sufficiency introduces local strategies that connect participating families to resources that will promote financial empowerment and economic independence.
- 51 Family Self-Sufficiency Program Participants
Communications & Public Relations Highlights
Highlights
- Over 11,000 website subscribers
- Almost 2,000 Facebook followers with over 3,000 total social media subscribers across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
- Utilized video and virtual technology to produce Public Hearings and Community Town Halls on Facebook, Zoom and YouTube resulting in enhanced community participation and outreach. Views of all videos are in the tens of thousands.
- Engaged community with "Spread the Word, Not the Virus" campaign in ongoing PSAs
- Developed meaningful relationships with local media contacts
- Engaged community with "Allen Benedict Court: Forever in My Heart" campaign to collect historical data as part of ongoing preservation project at property
Insights
Social Media Increases Interaction
Social Media Integrated with Website Improves Reach
- Facebook (July 2019 to August 2020)
- 521% Increase in Views
- 7,317% Increase in Reach
- 1,816 Followers (August 2020) from 72 (July 2019)
- 1,743 Page Likes (August 2020) from 72 (July 2019)
- Twitter
- 71% Increase in Tweet Impressions
- 24% Increase in Profile Visits
- 949% Increase in Tweet Frequency
- 85,088 visits from Google to ColumbiaHousingSC.org
Virtual Meetings
Columbia Housing has hosted several virtual meetings, creating a space for real-time interactions using integrated platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube.
Virtual meetings include our Neighborhood Associations, CH Resident Executive Council, Board Meetings and a host of community partner meetings.
Meetings with over 1,000 views:
- Columbia Housing's 5-Year Annual Plan - 1,400 Views Facebook Live/Zoom
- Gonzales Gardens Update - 2,300 Views Facebook Live/Zoom
New Website Launch and Rebranding
In one year, our website has reached 11,175 Subscribers, That's a BIG Deal!
- Month - July 2019
Unique Visitors - 1,168
Number of Visits - 1,485 - Month - August 2019
Unique Visitors - 2,653
Number of Visits - 3,794 - Month - September 2019
Unique Visitors - 3,547
Number of Visits - 4,940 - Month - October 2019
Unique Visitors - 5,194
Number of Visits - 7,833 - Month - November 2019
Unique Visitors - 5,495
Number of Visits - 8,918 - Month - December 2019
Unique Visitors - 16,663
Number of Visits - 32,852 - Month - January 2020
Unique Visitors - 9,785
Number of Visits - 18,276 - Month - February 2020
Unique Visitors - 7,678
Number of Visits - 12,963 - Month - March 2020
Unique Visitors - 13,201
Number of Visits - 33,155 - Month - April 2020
Unique Visitors - 12,671
Number of Visits - 35,105 - Month - May 2020
Unique Visitors - 10,375
Number of Visits - 24,679 - Month - June 2020
Unique Visitors - 12,927
Number of Visits - 30,916 - Month - July 2020
Unique Visitors - 11,340
Number of Visits - 25,387
- Ivory Mathews Joins Columbia Housing - July 1, 2019
Following a successful tenure as Executive Director of the Greenville, SC Housing Authority - Ivory Mathews was selected to lead Columbia Housing.
Mathews is committed to working with the residents, the Board of Commissioners and Staff, the city of Columbia, and community partners to transform Columbia Housing's service-delivery and community presence as the agency works to continue to meet the affordable housing needs of some of the area's most vulnerable citizens.
- Mathews Presents 12-Month Action Plan - July 5, 2019
Within one week of being appointed Interim Executive Director, Ivory Mathews introduced her plan - during a Special-Called Board Meeting - to address agency challenges and elevate performance, including four major principles:
-
- Putting Residents First
- Rebuilding Public Trust
- Transparency & Accountability
- Organizational Efficiency
- Mathews Taps Seasoned Leader as Chief Operating Officer - August, 2019
Mathews named Yvonda Bean the agency's new Chief Operating Officer. A proven leader, Bean has over 20 years of progressive experience in executive leadership with affordable housing agencies in the Palmetto state, as well as in other parts of the country. - Housing America - Month October, 2019
Councilman Edward McDowell presented Mathews with the City of Columbia's Proclamation recognizing October 30, 2019 as Housing America Day. - Benedict College Homecoming - October, 2019
Columbia Housing tailgated at Benedict College Homecoming!
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
Collaboration and strategic partnerships are fundamental to improving the quality of life for the families we serve.
Harnessing the strengths and abilities of what you provide is one of the most strategic ways our agency solves complex challenges and successfully meets the needs of our families today and in the future. We cannot do it alone, and we are forever thankful to YOU!
2000+ Landlords - Providing safe affordable housing to 4000+ Housing Choice Voucher families
- #1 Stunnas - Car & Bike Club
- 180 Place
- Absolute Total Care
- Action Labor
- AFLAC
- Allen University
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
American Red Cross
Hosts four agency-wide onsite blood drives annually (CH Employees have donated 750 pints of blood since 2009)
- Alston Wilkes Society
- Ameris Bank
- Angel Oak Home Loans
- Antjuan Seawright
- Appleseed Legal Justice Center
- Apprenticeship Carolina
- Arthur Robinson
- Auntie Karen Foundation
- Bank of the Ozarks
- BB&T Bank (Truist Bank)
- Belmont Neighborhood Association
- Benedict College
- Bethlehem Baptist Church
- Bethlehem Community Center
- Blanketing Families, Inc.
- Bookert Agency
- Booker Washington Heights Neighborhood Association
- Bonita Clemons
- Brookland Center for Community Economic Change (dba Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center)
- Buffalo Soldiers of Columbia Motorcycle Club
- Central Midlands Council of Governments
- Changin Lanez - Car & Bike Club
- Mathews Gives Congressional Testimony - November 9,2019
- With the assistance of Tess Hembree of NAHRO, Mathews testified in support of CO ALERTS Act of 2019 - co-sponsored by Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) - that would require all Public Housing Authorities nationwide to install carbon monoxide detectors in all units.
- CH Employees Honored for Helping Reduce Homelessness - December, 2019
- Jamie Drew (Servant's Heart Award Nominee) and Gay Ferguson (Lifetime of Service Award Nominee) among Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) award nominees for front line staff serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Pathway to Homeownership
Efforts to make homeownership accessible to public housing and Housing Choice Voucher program families have been a long standing goal of Columbia Housing. Columbia Housing has successfully assisted 463 families in realizing their dream of homeownership. "Embracing each of our families where they are and developing individualized plans to walk them through the process of becoming a homeowner is where Ms. Teneasha Renee Perkins reigns excellence. We are grateful to have her as a key member of our team!" (Ivory Mathews, CEO)
Richland Library
Launches Home-Spot Initiative
Columbia Housing Communities Receive Wi-Fi Hotspots
Through the Library's Home-Spot Initiative, 65 resident families in 26 of our public housing communities now have Hot-Spots which bring high-speed Internet into their homes. After linking to the wireless networks, these residents now can attend classes remotely and complete schoolwork, reduce social isolation, and utilize basic services that have moved to digital platforms. In addition to the Hot-Spot digital devices, the Home-Spot Initiative also covers the cost of residents' Internet service for a full year.
- American Red Cross Partners with CH - December 2019
Since 2009, the American Red Cross has partnered with Columbia Housing to host four agency-wide annual onsite blood drives resulting in the donation of over 750 pints of blood. - SC Resident Initiatives Council Holiday Gala - December 2019
Columbia Housing residents attended the SC Resident Initiatives Council Holiday Gala in Greenville, SC. - Junior League of Columbia - December 2019
Junior League of Columbia provided residents with holiday gifts.
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
City of Columbia Count
Engaging our residents in the 2020 Census Count
- Charlie Guider
- Chosen2Conquer International Ministries
- City of Cayce
- City of Cayce Department of Public Safety
City of Columbia Fire Department
Provides fire safety education programs to residents in our four elderly high-rise communities
- City of Columbia
- City of Columbia Community Development
- City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities
City of Columbia Police Department
Works with our security team to support systematic partnerships with residents in our 26 public housing communities
- City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
- City of Eastover
- Colonial Park Neighborhood Association
Comet Central Midlands Transit
Connecting our families to work, recreation and amenities
- Columbia Area Mental Health
- Columbia Empowerment Zone, Inc.
- Columbia Housing Development Corp.
- Columbia Workforce Center
- Community Assistance Provider
- Connect Home USA
Columbia Urban League, Inc.
Summer employment and job training opportunities to high school students
- Cooperative Ministry
- Cox and Dinkins
- Davis Architecture
- Delores Nelson
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
- DESA, Inc
Oaks at St. Anna's Park
A SCAHI Community
Beginning in 2020
Formerly Known as "Gonzales Gardens Redevelopment"
Nearly three years after Gonzales Gardens, Columbia's oldest public housing complex, was demolished, momentum is gaining toward the development of a new community known as Oaks at St. Anna's Park.
95 Unit Senior Building - 190 Townhomes
Redevelopment Plans Timeline:
- Redesign - 02.28.20
- Stakeholder Engagement - 06.30.20
- Final Construction Docs - 07.31.20
- City Approvals - 08.15.20
- Financing Applications - 10.15.20
- Financing Approvals - 01.31.21
- Financial Closing - 03.31.21
- Construction Start - 04.15.21
- Construction Completion - 12.31.22
- Full Occupancy - 06.30.23
- Columbia Urban League 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast - January 20, 2020
At the event, Mathews had the opportunity for a brief, but informative conversation about affordable housing with former Vice President & Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden. - Red for Women Day - February 7, 2020
CH residents attended the event, along with Mayor Steve Benjamin, to raise awareness for Women's Heart Health. - The Talented Tenth - February 7, 2020
Access! Service! Elevation! The Talented Tenth hosted a highly informative, insightful and inspiring luncheon, featuring U.S. Senate hopeful Jaime Harrison, who engaged attendees with his story of how he overcame the challenges of poverty. It takes ALL of us!
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
Families Helping Families Creates holiday memories with clothes and toys for our children
- Diane's Call
- Edgewood Foundation
- Edventure
- EmpowerSC
- ERA Wilder Realty
- Eau Claire Development Corp.
Food Share Provides our families with affordable, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables
- EXP Realty
- Fairfield County Elite Ladies Youth Dance Team
- Family Shelter
- Family Promise of the Midlands
- First Citizens Bank
Free Thinkers Radio Fully administrates our virtual meetings and provides full video production/recording
- First Community Bank
- First Steps
- Free Medical Clinic
- Furniture Services
- Girls Scouts of SC
- GLEAMS Headstart
Harvest Hope Food Bank Steps in when our residents need extra help feeding their families
- Goodwill Industries
- Healthy Blue
- Homeless No More
- InnerSole
- Integrity Insurance
- Jeanie Jackson
Historic Columbia Helping us capture the rich history of Gonzales Gardens and Allen Benedict Court
- Keller Williams Realty
- Kimberlyn Hicks
- League of Women's Voters
- Lexington/Richland 5 Adult Education
- LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council)
- CH Earns Gold at the United Way "Live United" Awards - February 7, 2020
With special thanks to Campaign Director Faye Daniels, CH employee contributions of $46,448 exceeded last year's level as well as this year's goal, earning CH staff the GOLD Live United Award. - Allen Benedict Court: Forever in My Heart - May 20, 2020
As Columbia Housing begins the process to demolish Allen Benedict Court, the agency hopes to retain some of the property's rich history by asking former residents who lived there over its 80-year history to share memories, photos and mementos.
Lorick Place - A CHAD Property Opened May, 2020
- Partners:
- City of Columbia
- First Citizens Bank
- Liberty Oak, Inc.
- Mungo Homes
- PNC Bank
- NixDevco
- Richland County
- Superior Management
- US-HUD
- 87 Units
- 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments and Townhomes
- Amenities:
- Spacious Kitchens With All New Appliances
- Washer, Dryer & Microwave Included
- All Units Cable Ready
- Onsite Clubhouse
Leadership or our Residents. in the Midst of a Pandemic
Navigating Through COVID-19 for the Health & Safety of CH Residents & Employees
- Face Masks Provided - May, 2020
Through partnerships with Prisma Health, Tina Torres and local mask vendors, 19,200 cloth and disposable face masks were provided to CH residents. - NAHRO Panel - May-June, 2020
Mathews was included on a NAHRO panel to discuss and share ideas related to the reopening of agencies during the pandemic. - Ray Tanner Foundation - May 2, 2020
Ray Tanner Foundation provided over 2,000 Sunday Dinners to CH residents. - SC Women in Leadership - May 6, 2020
SC Women in Leadership commended Mathews: "Director Mathews knew that many of the families living in the subsidized housing she manages were going to be immediately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. She also knows bureaucratic change takes a long time. Her solution: get creative and allow families to self-report loss of income - and save their homes. The policy she introduced locally has become official policy at HUD and part of the #CaresAct." - DHEC COVID-19 Testing - May 19, 2020
DHEC provided Free COVID-19 Testing for our Residents.
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
James E. Clyburn Scholarship & Research Foundation Educational scholarships to many first generation college students
- Lyon Street Neighborhood Association
- Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.
- Midlands Fatherhood Coalition
- Midlands Mediation Center
- Midlands Technical College
Junior League of Columbia Hosted holiday party and toys for 300+ public housing families
- Midlands Workforce Development Board
- MIRCI (Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.)
- Minority Small Business Development Center
- Mungo Homes
- NAACP
Latino Communications Helps us serve Spanish-speaking populations in our service area
- NACA
- Nadia Rutherford
- National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Realtist)
- New St. Thomas Missionary Society
- Nickelodeon Theatre
- NixDevco
Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) In collaboration with 50 partner members to end homelessness
- Oliver Gospel Mission
- Omicron Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- One Common Cause
- Optus Bank
- Palmetto Place Shelter
- PNC Bank
- Regina Brown
- Richland County
- Richland County Community Development
- Richland County Department of Social Services
- Richland County First Steps Policy Council
- Richland County Office of Parole & Probations
Columbia Housing Teams with DHEC to Fight COVID in Vulnerable Communities - Thousands Reached with Free Testing and Community Outreach
Our partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Affairs (DHEC) takes free COVID-19 testing to our residents living in zip codes seeing high concentrations of COVID-19 infections. By doing that, we help health officials identify patterns of infections in underserved communities, at the same time, giving our residents easy access to private quality testing located in the community rooms at senior high-rises and other properties. Residents get test results within 2-3 days. In addition, DHEC teams with our communications department to produce public service announcements and commercials featuring our residents and staff to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Ray Tanner Foundation is Making a Difference
Karen Tanner is a community giver. She, and her husband Ray Tanner-the Athletics Director at the University of South Carolina-look for ways their Tanner Foundation can fight poverty in the Columbia area. Karen used her network of resources to garner 300 20lb boxes of produce weekly to residents during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, Tanner Foundation served thousands of hot Sunday dinners to residents. Thank you!
Leadership or our Residents. in the Midst of a Pandemic
Continued
5-Year Plan Strategic Goals - June 5, 2020
Using integrated technology, including Website, Zoom and Facebook, CH has reached thousands throughout the pandemic. The Cayce and Columbia Housing's Public Hearing Videos on 5-Year Plan Strategic Goals have been viewed over 1,500 times.
Latino Communications Donates Supplies - August, 2020
Latino Communications donated 2,000 gift bags with masks, hand soap and hand sanitizer for families.
Senior Meals & Masks Kicks Off - August 20, 2020
Senior Meals and Masks, a joint partnership between Senior Resources and CH, will provide 323 senior residents frozen meal packs and masks on a weekly basis. Iacofano's Catering & Events is providing the nutritionally-rich, ready to eat meals. Masks were supplied through a partnership with CH, SC DHEC, Latino Communications Community Development Corporation (LCCDC) and Prisma Health.
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
Prisma Health Took the lead to make sure residents had a replenished supply of PPE (donated 20,000 disposable face masks and hand wipes)
- Richland County Sheriff Department
- Richland One Adult Education
- Richland School District 2
- Right Direction Church International
- R-LCOA
Ray Tanner Foundation Donates fresh and healthy food to our families
- Ruff Ryders - Car & Bike Club
- Roscoe Wilson
- Salvation Army
- Satin Dolls - Car & Bike Club
- Save Our Sons of the Carolinas
- SC Department of Education
Richland Library Secured grant from the McNulty Foundation for 65 hotspots
- SC Department of Employment & Workforce
- SC Department of Mental Health
- SC Department of Social Services
- SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Richland School District 1 Delivers free nutritious meals
- SC Housing Finance & Development Authority
- SC Human Affairs Commission
- SC Legal Services
- SC Uplift Community Outreach
- SC Works Midlands
- Second Nazareth Baptist Church
SC Department of Health & Environmental Control
Provides invaluable assistance with our COVID-19 safety protocols
SC Thrive
Linking innovative and efficient access to quality of life resources
- Security Federal Bank
CH Votes
CH Votes is a non-partisan activity solely designed for the purposes of Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization for families served by Columbia Housing. Columbia Housing has actively engaged our residents in the voting process for decades. CH Votes is placing a brand around what we have and will continue to do to engage our residents in exercising their civic duty of voting in all local, state, and national elections. Voting is a vital part of our democracy and Columbia Housing will work to ensure all its families know their rights, make a plan, and exercise their right to vote in 2020 and beyond.
Prisma Health Partnership
If Columbia Housing needs volunteers for a large-scale event, Prisma Health is our go-to. When we need help coordinating health fairs and screenings for our 16,000+ residents, Prisma Health leads the way. When the COVID-19 health crisis hit the Columbia area and the rest of the state, Prisma Health began a practice of making routine donations of personal protective equipment to help us replenish face coverings, sanitation supplies and education materials to our residents. Thank you, Regina Brown, and Prisma Health!
Columbia Housing Wins Website of the Year - August, 2020
Innovation • Interactivity • Ease of Use
The new, responsive CH website is among the first Housing Authority websites in the nation to fully address Section 508, WCAG and ADA Level AA accessibility success criteria with the site's design, programming, and content. The website offers 24/7 telephone support for site visitors who are experiencing accessibility issues, and features an innovative Content Management System (CMS) which prompts the CH staff to properly describe and tag images to help maintain accessibility for site visitors who use assistive technology. These features are innovative for a Housing Authority of Columbia's size, due to the large volume of information and number of people served through the website.
Columbia Housing - Looking Toward the Future with Respect to Our Past
Allen Benedict Court Demolition
Plans are currently underway to clear the Allen Benedict Court properties to prepare the land for re-development.
Redevelopment Timeline:
- Environmental - 03.31.20
- Demolition Contract - 05.21.20
- Development Partner - 09.21.20
- Demolition Complete - 11.30.20
- Design Charrettes - Jan. 2021
- Final Development Plan - 03.31.21
- Financing Application - 06.30.21
- City Approvals - 06.30.21
- Final Construction Docs - 08.31.21
- Financing Approval - 12.31.21
- Financial Closing - 03.21.22
- Construction Start - 04.01.22
- Construction Completion - 09.30.23
- Occupancy - 12.31.23
The Power of Partnerships - We are better together!
Senn Brothers Produce Provides 20lb boxes of fresh produce to residents in senior citizen high-rises
- Sierra Club of South Carolina
- Sins of Sheba - Car & Bike Club
- Sister Care
- Sisters of Change #798
- Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
Steve Harvey Morning Show Provides 100 holiday turkeys through the Marjorie and Steve Harvey Foundation
- Senior Resources
- South State Bank
- Southern Way Caterers
- SunTrust Bank
- Superior Property Management, LLC
- Synovus Bank
United Way of the Midlands through its 2-1-1 emergency hotline provides a host of social services
- Toby's Place
- Toys for Tots
- TNDC Development Corporation
- Transitions Homeless Shelter
- UMC Women's Ministry
- US Department of Housing & Urban Development
Visions Made Plain Provides photography and videography for web and social media campaigns
- USC Supportive Housing Services
- USC School of Social Work
- VFW Post 4262
- Vince Ford
- Vital Care EMS
- WellCare
Wateree Community Actions, Inc. Provides families with year-round emergency assistance
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Partners with us to provide 400 formerly homeless veterans with stable housing
- Woodforest National Bank
- Zion Canaan Baptist Church
"What Home Means to Me" Poster Contest
Exciting News! Two of our amazing young artistic leaders received affordable housing industry highly acclaimed recognitions for their entries in the "What Home Means to Me" poster contest.
Nyleen Thomas
- 1st Place: Elementary School Category - CCHRCO
- 3rd Place: Elementary School Category - SERC-NAHRO
Nadia Perry
- 2nd Place: High School Category - CCHRCO
"If asked what home means to me, home is a place where endless love begins and the fun never ends. Home is where I can be myself and not be judged. Home is a place where I share my thoughts and feelings. Home is a place where my entertainment never ends (ps4, Fortnite, basketball, and ATV riding). Most of all, home is a place like no other, a place full of love from your mother. Home is a place where you laugh, grow and play. Home is where I like to stay and have fun every day." - Nyleen Thomas
"Home is a place of safe haven and judgment-free zone. Home is my own little world where I love to make homemade lip gloss and lashes. Home is a place where I share my thoughts and feelings. Home is not a place, it's a feeling. Home is where I play, laugh, cry, and learn. Home is a place full of love and family that supports you. Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to. There is nothing more important than a good, safe, and secure home. Home is not just a place you live, but a place that lives in you." - Nadia Perry
Summer Youth Employment Program
Over the last 40 years, through its Summer Youth Employment Program, Columbia Housing has provided approximately 925 of its high school students with summer jobs. Youth who participate in our Summer Youth Employment Program learn about the following opportunities: financial literacy, career and job readiness, personal enrichment, post-secondary education and much more.
Entity-Wide Financial Highlights
Economic Impact
Public and Voucher-Assisted Housing are Economic Drivers
Ongoing Investments with Wide Reaching Returns:
Supporting the Local Real-Estate Market
$25+ Million Annually in Rental Assistance Payments to 2,000+ Private Landlords
Reducing the Rental Burden for Low-Income Families
6,500 families can devote more of their limited resources to consumer spending in meeting other basic needs.
Employment Opportunities for High School Students
20+ public housing residents are provided employment opportunities annually
Ending Homelessness for Families
500+ veterans and families experiencing homelessness are provided stable housing
Capital and Maintenance Expenditure to Preserve Existing Housing Stock
$6 Million in contract materials and labor cost to local business
Statement of Net Position - FYE 2019
Assets
Total Assets & Deferred Outflows: $111,496,165
Current Assets: $17,846,408
Capital Assets $91,456,622
Other Non-current Assets $146,666
Deferred Outflow of Resources $2,046,469
Liabilities Total Liabilities & Deferred Inflows: $43,338,899
Current Liabilities $5,065,739
Non-current Liabilities $36,910,099
Deferred inflow of Resources $1,363,061
Investments Total Net Position: $68,157,266
Investment in Capital Assets $70,616,055
Restricted $1,227,944
Unrestricted ($3,686,733)
Total Liabilities, Deferred Inflows & Net Position $111,496,165
Statement of Revenues & Expenses
Net Position - Proprietary Fund Type
Primary Government Year End
June 30, 2019
Operating Revenues Total: $46,136,987
Dwelling Rent: $7,131,963
Governmental Grants and Subsidy: $38,530,195
Other Income: $474,829
Operating Expense Total: $53,472,611
Net Operating Income (Loss): ($7,333,624)
Administration $7,981,181
Tenant Services $2,047,658
Utilities $2,076,922
Maintenance & Operations $6,189,053
Protective Services $1,004,413
General Expense $2,419,347
Housing Assistance Payments $25,456,719
Depreciation & Amortization $6,297,318
Non-Operating Revenues (Expenses) Net: ($3,081,020)
Investment Income: $175,264
Interest Expense: ($754,587)
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets: ($2,501,097)
Net Loss Before Capital Gains/Contributions ($10,416,644)
Capital Grants/Contributions $2,332,079
Increase (Decrease) in Net Position ($8,084,565)
Total Net Position, Beginning $76,241,831
Total Net Position, Ending $68,157,266
Discrete Component Year End Dec 31, 2018
Operating Revenues Total: $490,944
Dwelling Rent: $490,944
Governmental Grants and Subsidy: n/a
Other Income: n/a
Operating Expense Total: $505,654
Net Operating Income (Loss) ($14,710)
Administration $122,799
Tenant Services $478
Utilities $3,260
Maintenance & Operations $103,069
Protective Services n/a
General Expense $58,951
Housing Assistance Payments n/a
Depreciation & Amortization $217,097
Non-Operating Revenues (Expenses) Net: ($115,989)
Investment Income: $54
Interest Expense: ($116,043)
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets: n/a
Net Loss Before Capital Gains/Contributions ($130,699)
Capital Grants/Contributions $1,107,906
Increase (Decrease) in Net Position $977,207
Total Net Position, Beginning $4,119,302
Total Net Position, Ending $5,096,509
Columbia Housing - CH Cares
Serving Richland & Lexington Counties
CHAD Columbia Housing and Development - An Affiliate of Columbia Housing
SCAHI South Carolina Affordable Housing Initiatives, Inc. - An Affiliate of Columbia Housing
Cayce Housing - Managed by Columbia Housing
Phone: 803.254.3886 - Fax: 803.376.6164
1917 Harden Street, Columbia,, South Carolina 29204
