This is Columbia Housing - April 11 - 15, 2022
THIS is Columbia Housing
Weekly Roundup of CH Happenings: April 11 - April 15, 2022
Resident Success Story: My Journey to Homeownership
"I never thought I'd end up being a homeowner. But I did." - Jessica Burton
Jessica Burton found out about the Housing Choice Voucher program almost by accident. Her friend was applying and wanted someone to keep her company while waiting in line. "I ended up applying, too and that decision changed everything for me," says Jessica.
Back then in 2014, Jessica was raising her 3 children in her two bedroom apartment. It was a nice place, but it was tight.
Jessica says there was always something inside driving her to do better for her family. She credits the Family Sufficiency Program (FSS) with helping her see how to get there.
"With the housing voucher helping with the rent, I could focus on going back to school. So, I got my early childhood degree. Then I got a much better job. One of my program goals was home ownership. FSS helped me do that, too.
Jessica was able to build her family home from the ground up. "Every Saturday, me and the kids would go by to check on the progress. That was so exciting. In 2019, we moved in to our new home, as homeowners, not renters!"
"I love my new neighborhood and I LOVE my new house," says Jessica, who is now a grandmother. "This really feels like home.
For more information on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, email Cynthia Boykin.
Ground Breaking Ceremony
Oaks at St. Anna's Park
Thursday, April 14, 2022, 12:30 pm
Columbia Housing is bringing more affordable housing to the City of Columbia and Richland County!
The new development is on the former site of the Gonzales Gardens Public Housing Community and will include 90 units for senior citizens and 190 2-bedroom & 3-bedroom townhomes! $71M economic impact from the construction investment alone!
Thank you to our Board of Commissioners (represented on the program by Vice Chairwoman Kara Simmons) for your unwavering support.
Shoutout to Ward Mungo Construction , our General Contractor, for walking this journey with us1
Congratulations Interim CEO Yvonda Bean for your leadership to bring this project to fruition!
Thank you Chief Development Officer Cindi Herrera for all your contributions to move this project forward!
#TeamColumbiaHousing take a bow!
