Local United Ways partner with SC Housing to allocate $11 million to housing stability services across the state

$400,000 designated for Cherokee and Union Counties

Affordable housing is one of the most critical resources for economically successful communities. Local United Ways and their partners stand ready to provide support and assistance that will help families find stable housing. This work is supported by a public-private partnership with SC Housing in allocating $11M to organizations providing housing stability services including case management, housing navigation, landlord tenant mediation, and eviction related legal services.

Naomi Lett, President and CEO of the United Way Association of SC, says, “Local United Ways and their partners serve as trusted community voices in supporting local families navigate a complicated housing market. Family stability is critical to the health of our communities and our economy. We are proud to partner with SC Housing to deploy these resources into our local communities.”

Thirty-nine counties in South Carolina are eligible for the funds that are being distributed by Local United Ways. In United Way of the Piedmont’s tri-county footprint, Cherokee and Union Counties are eligible. The organization is working to commit and deploy $400,000 to its partners in those communities to help build the capacity of organizations to provide housing stability services. Community partners include AccessHealth, C4 Services, Cherokee County Senior Centers, Miracle Hill, Project REST, Salvation Army of Spartanburg and Union, Trinity Baptist Church, Union County Library System, and Cherokee County Meals on Wheels.

“United Way of the Piedmont is honored to be a partner in this work. These funds will allow organizations to work deeper and more closely with families in Gaffney and Blacksburg to recover from the pandemic and address housing-related challenges,” shares Libbie Cheek, Community Resource Coordinator for Cherokee County at United Way of the Piedmont.

Jennifer Robbins, Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Director of Cherokee County Meals On Wheels, says, “At Cherokee County Meals On Wheels, we see housing conditions that are often deplorable, and we feel helpless as to what we can do for our neighbors. We are thrilled to be able to use this funding to better serve Cherokee County citizens. We have seen such a need and we have never been in a position to help our community like this before. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

Stephanie Goodale, Executive Director of C4 Ministries in Union County, says, “C4 is thankful to partner with United Way of the Piedmont to provide counseling for Union County residents who find themselves in a housing crisis. Thank you for this opportunity, and we look forward to working with you and making a difference in our community.”

About SC Stay Plus

The SC Stay Plus program is a rental and utility assistance program, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, that launched in May 2021 to assist those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 global health emergency that has disrupted the lives of so many. Learn more about SC Stay Plus and other ways to find rental assistance at https://www.schousing.com/home/sc-stay-plus.

About United Way of the Piedmont

United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive. Learn more at www.uwpiedmont.org.