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For residents seeking the South Carolina rent relief program, it is crucial to know the status of the state's largest recent initiative. The SC Stay Plus program, which was the primary source of emergency rental and utility assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now closed. All federal funds for this program have been fully used, and no new applications are being accepted or reviewed.
SC Stay Plus was a vital resource created to help South Carolina households unable to pay rent and utilities due to pandemic-related financial hardships. The program made direct payments to landlords and utility providers for eligible renters, covering up to twelve months of past-due rent and sometimes future rent to ensure housing stability. It had a significant impact across 39 counties, while seven larger counties administered their own separate federal relief programs.
A Shift to a Decentralized System
The end of this large-scale program has changed how housing assistance is accessed in the state. The system has moved from a single emergency resource to a more complex network of ongoing programs. Finding help now requires navigating various federal, state, and local organizations, each with its own rules and application processes.
The nature of the available aid has also changed. Emergency funds were for rapid, short-term crisis intervention. The programs that remain, such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, are often structured for long-term support and may have long waiting periods. Despite these changes, avenues for rent relief still exist, and the following sections provide a detailed overview of available resources.
Navigating the current system requires a strategic approach. Several statewide organizations act as primary entry points, connecting residents with the most appropriate local help.
2.1 SC 211: Your First Call for Help
The most effective first step for anyone facing a housing crisis is to contact SC 211. Managed by the United Way, SC 211 is a free, confidential referral service for a wide variety of health and human services. Specialists can provide the most current information on which local agencies have funds for rent, security deposits, and utility payments.
Contacting SC 211 is simple and accessible:
2.2 SC Housing: Ongoing Support Programs
The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) is the state's lead agency for affordable housing. While its emergency program has ended, SC Housing continues to offer several key resources for long-term stability.
Key resources from SC Housing include:
2.3 Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
Community Action Agencies are non-profits that help low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. These agencies often provide direct financial assistance for rent and utilities through federal programs like the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To find the designated CAA for a specific county, residents can consult the South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships (SCACAP). SCACAP serves as the statewide hub and provides a directory to connect individuals with their local provider.
Several long-standing federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offer sustained rental assistance. These programs are cornerstones of housing stability but often have long waiting lists.
3.1 The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market.
How It Works
Participants find their own housing, such as single-family homes or apartments. The program pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord, and the family pays the difference between the actual rent and the subsidized amount.
Eligibility and Application
Portability and Homeownership
A key feature of the HCV program is its portability. While new voucher-holders must typically live in the issuing PHA's jurisdiction for the first year, the voucher can eventually be used anywhere in the United States.
Additionally, the HCV Homeownership Program allows eligible participants to use their voucher to help with monthly mortgage payments instead of rent. This can transform the program into a tool for achieving long-term financial stability. Not all PHAs participate, so interested parties should inquire locally.
3.2 Public Housing and Subsidized Apartments
It is important to distinguish the HCV program from Public Housing, which refers to rental units owned and managed by a local PHA. Subsidized apartments are privately owned properties where the government provides subsidies to the owner to offer reduced rents. Both options have their own application processes and waiting lists. Renters can search for these properties using the HUD Resource Locator and the USDA Rural Development search tool.
While statewide and federal programs provide a broad framework, the most immediate help is often found at the local level. County governments, non-profits, and faith-based organizations work together to deliver services.
4.1 Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties
4.2 Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties (The Lowcountry)
4.3 Greenville County
4.4 Horry County
4.5 Richland County
4.6 Spartanburg County
A spectrum of services exists to support individuals at different stages of a housing crisis, from proactive legal intervention to emergency services for those who have lost their housing.
5.1 Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and Continuums of Care (CoCs)
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program, funded by HUD, helps people quickly regain stability after a housing crisis. These funds are managed by four regional Continuums of Care (CoCs) across South Carolina.
CoCs are collaborations of local organizations that coordinate services, including:
A person facing an immediate housing crisis should contact the CoC that serves their county for emergency assistance.
| Continuum of Care Name | Contact Information | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|
| United Housing Connections | (864) 241-0462 | Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union |
| Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless | (803) 733-5400 | Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, York |
| Low Country Coalition | (843) 737-8357 | Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper |
| Eastern Carolina Homelessness Organization | (843) 213-1798 | Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, Williamsburg |
5.2 Legal Aid for Eviction Prevention
Receiving an eviction notice requires immediate action. It is highly recommended to seek legal assistance to understand tenant rights and explore potential defenses.
5.3 Support from Non-Profit and Faith-Based Organizations
Local charities and faith-based organizations are often providers of last resort, offering emergency financial assistance when other options are exhausted. Organizations like The Salvation Army , Catholic Charities , and numerous local ministries play a vital role in the community safety net.
It is important to remember that their funding is often limited and dependent on donations, so assistance is not guaranteed. They typically have their own application processes and may require documentation of the financial crisis. Contacting them directly or getting a referral through SC 211 is the best way to inquire about available help.
The emergency statewide SC Stay Plus rent relief program has closed after distributing all funds. Renters must now seek assistance through a network of local non-profits, county-specific agencies, and long-term federal programs rather than applying through a single statewide portal.
If you are unable to pay rent, support is available through Community Action Agencies, federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), and various emergency assistance grants. These resources can provide direct rental payments, utility aid, and legal support to help prevent eviction.
Eligibility for South Carolina's Housing Choice Voucher program is determined by your total annual gross income and family size, with limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each local Public Housing Authority (PHA) manages its own application process and waitlist.
When applying for rental assistance, you will generally need a government-issued photo ID, a copy of your signed lease, proof of income for all household members (like pay stubs or benefit letters), and documentation of your housing crisis, such as an eviction notice or a past-due rent statement.
Yes, many organizations that offer rental assistance also provide support for past-due utility bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and local Community Action Agencies frequently offer combined aid to help families maintain overall housing stability. Always ask about utility support when you apply.
If you are facing an immediate eviction, contact SC Legal Services for free legal counsel on your rights and options. You should also call SC 211 right away to connect with local emergency financial programs that may be able to provide funds or mediate with your landlord.
SC 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service. By calling "211" or visiting their website, a specialist can identify active rent relief programs and other social services in your specific zip code, connecting you with the organizations best equipped to address your needs.
Yes, veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness can access specialized support. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides help with rent, security deposits, and other housing-related costs. Contact your local VA medical center's homeless coordinator for information and referrals.
Security deposit assistance is often available through local non-profits and Community Action Agencies. These funds are designed to help low-income households overcome the initial financial hurdle of securing new, stable housing. Contact your local 211 or Department of Social Services office for referrals.
You can locate the PHA that serves your area by visiting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. Their online directory allows you to search for all active Public Housing Authorities by state and county, providing the correct contact information for your location.
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