Check out the latest newsletter - THIS is Columbia Housing!
This is Columbia Housing
Catch up on the latest from Columbia Housing: Volume 2024-1
On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Columbia Housing began celebrating its 90th Anniversary with a Program and Open House held at the Central Office on Harden Street.
The Anniversary event featured performances by the Allen University Concert Choir, a Presentation of Colors from The C.A. Johnson AFJROTC, and special presentations from the City of Columbia, Richland County, Richland School District One, and the State of SC. Former CH Commissioner Selena Pickens was honored for her service (April 2012 - March 2024) to the residents of CH during her tenure on the board.
Chairman of the CH Board of Commissioners, Ernest Cromartie, III said, "Affordable housing isn't just about providing shelter, and ensuring everyone has a chance to thrive. Public housing authorities play a crucial role in this endeavor, serving as guardians of hope and architects of opportunity for those in need. The Board of Commissioners is happy to celebrate the history and service this agency has provided since 1934."
SC Senator Tameika Isaac Devine was the keynote speaker for the event and shared her passion for affordable housing and reflected on the important work Columbia Housing does on behalf of families throughout the Midlands with those in attendance.
CH CEO Yvonda A. Bean said, "We are proud of the legacy that Columbia Housing has created over the last 90 years. Serving our community by providing places for people to call home is our greatest achievement and we look forward to the next 90 years of service.
Created in 1934 to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to the low and moderate-income residents of the City of Columbia and Richland County, Columbia Housing is now the largest provider of affordable housing in the sate of SC, serving 6,500 low-income households encompassing over 16,000 individuals throughout the City of Columbia, Cayce, and Richland County.
Resident Executive Council Elects New Officers
The Columbia Housing Resident Executive Council held elections for officers on May 13, 2024. The role of REC is to improve the quality of life and resident satisfaction for people living in public housing. They also participate in self-help initiatives to enable residents to create positive living environments for families living in public housing.
Congratulations to the New Board! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the people you serve.
- Thompsena Brown, President
- Sara Ravenell, Vice President
- Stella Ford-Laroc, Secretary
- Elaine Caldwell, Parliamentarian
CH Residents Visit SC State House
Earlier this Spring the CH team and CH families had the pleasure of visiting and touring the SC State House hosted by Senator Tameika Isaac Devine. It's one thing to see it on television, but another to walk through those beautiful galleries where state leaders assemble to make decisions on behalf of South Carolinians.
"Senator Devine, we are proud of you. You are an inspiration, and we're grateful for your bold leadership." - Yvonda A. Bean, CEO.
New Commissioners Welcomed to Board
Chairman Ernest Cromartie, III administered the Oath of Office to Karen Jenkins and Kamaria Mosley at the agency's April 16th Board of Commissioners Meeting.
Karen Jenkins is the owner of KRJ Consulting, LLC, an organizational growth and human capital consulting firm; and Kamaria Mosley is a partner at the Law Office of Thomas E. Mosley. Both Jenkins and Mosley were elected to 5-year terms.
Welcome aboard Commissioners Jenkins and Mosley! We look forward to working with you as we serve the citizens of Columbia and Richland County.
Selena Pickens Honored for Service on CH Board
Commissioner Selena Pickens first joined the CH Board of Commissioners in April of 2012. During her tenure and under leadership of the CH Board, CH accomplished a number of notable tasks, including; the completion of the Rosewood Hills neighborhood, the demolition of Gonzales Gardens and Allen Benedict Court, the creation of a strategic plan to guide the agency and improvements to the delivery services to CH residents.
As she completed her terms of service and rotated off the Board, her fellow Commissioners and CEO Yvonda Bean celebrated her commitment to Columbia Housing at the April 16th Board Meeting.
Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and service Commissioner Pickens!
