South Carolina Rent Relief: Current Programs and Housing Assistance

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.

Statewide Housing Resources and Referral Services

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:

• By Phone: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
• By Text: Text "HELP" or "AYUDA" to 211-211.
• Online: Visit sc211.org to search their resource database.

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:

• SCHousingSearch.com: A free online platform to search for affordable and accessible housing units across the state.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Administration: SC Housing manages the HCVP (Section 8) for seven counties: Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, and Lexington.
• Compliance and Complaints: For renters in SC Housing-monitored properties, the agency provides a formal channel to file complaints about unsafe living conditions at 803-896-9007.

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.

Federal Housing Programs for Long-Term Stability

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

• Eligibility: Eligibility is based on total annual gross income and family size, generally not exceeding 50% of the area's median income. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and pass a background check.
• Application Process: Applications are handled by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), not a central office. A directory of PHAs is available on the HUD website.
• Waiting Lists: Due to high demand, waiting lists are common and often closed. It is wise to check the status frequently and apply to multiple PHAs.
• Required Documents: Applicants typically need photo IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of all income sources.

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.

Local and County-Specific Rent Relief Resources

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

• Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE): As the region's Community Action Agency, SHARE offers emergency rent assistance, utility help through LIHEAP, and housing repair programs.
• Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM): AIM provides rent and mortgage assistance, a food pantry, and employment programs in Anderson County.
• United Christian Ministries: This organization assists residents in Anderson and Pickens counties with emergency financial needs.
• The Salvation Army: Local branches offer emergency financial assistance when funds are available.

4.2 Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties (The Lowcountry)

• Palmetto Community Action Partnership (Palmetto CAP): The General Emergency Assistance Program (GEAP) provides financial aid for rent to households with a documented, unexpected hardship.
• Trident United Way: Its Centers for Strong Families provide financial coaching and referrals for basic needs, including housing.
• Low Country Coalition for the Homeless: This organization coordinates services and can be reached via the Housing Crisis Line at (843) 737-8357.
• East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO): ECCO provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to residents of Charleston and Berkeley counties.

4.3 Greenville County

• United Way of Greenville County: The 2-1-1 resource line is the primary starting point for anyone seeking rent or utility assistance.
• The Salvation Army of Greenville: This organization offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities through an online application.
• The Greenville Housing Authority (TGHA): TGHA manages long-term solutions like Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program.
• City of Greenville: The city's Community Development division partners with the Greenville County Human Relations Commission to host a Financial Empowerment Center.

4.4 Horry County

• Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO): ECHO is a key service provider focused on preventing homelessness and providing housing services.
• Horry County Community Development: This department administers federal grants to partner organizations that provide services like tenant-based rental assistance.
• United Way of Horry County: The local 2-1-1 service is the central point of contact for referrals to assistance programs.
• Housing Authority of Myrtle Beach: This PHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program, with priority given to disabled households on its waiting list.

4.5 Richland County

• Richland County Community Development: The county's Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program funds non-profits to deliver rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services.
• City of Columbia: The city provides a Social Service Network Catalog listing numerous resources, including transitional housing and emergency assistance from organizations like The Salvation Army. 
• Columbia Housing: As the local PHA, Columbia Housing manages Public Housing and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program for the region.

4.6 Spartanburg County

• Spartanburg Housing: The local housing authority provides a detailed community resource guide listing agencies that offer rental and utility assistance.
• United Way of the Piedmont: The 2-1-1 helpline serves Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties, providing referrals for financial and housing assistance.
• Faith-Based and Non-Profit Support: A strong network of organizations, including T.O.T.A.L. Ministries and The Bridge, offers emergency assistance with rent and utilities.

Specialized Assistance and Homelessness Prevention

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:

• Street Outreach
• Emergency Shelter
• Homelessness Prevention
• Rapid Re-Housing

A person facing an immediate housing crisis should contact the CoC that serves their county for emergency assistance.

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.

• South Carolina Legal Services: This organization provides free civil legal services to low-income residents and can offer advice and representation in eviction proceedings.
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: This state law governs the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants. The local magistrate's office is the appropriate contact for landlord-tenant issues.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions