Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded South Carolina $42.8 million in grant money for fiscal year 2003. The awards consist of $27 million for the Community Development Block Grant Program; $13.2 million for the HOME Investment Partnership Program; $1.4 million for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program; and $1.1 million for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program.

• The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops viable communities and provides decent housing and a suitable living environment by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
• The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing for low-come households. It allows communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
• The Emergency Shelter Grant Program provides funds for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter for the homeless and for homeless prevention activities.
• The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program addresses the housing needs of low-income persons diagnosed with AIDS.

“This is an investment in the future and will help improve the quality of life for many South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These funds will enable the state to assist people with housing needs to establish themselves in the community and contribute to the overall economic health of the state.” Graham also noted HUD awarded three other grants to specific locales and organizations in the state.

• Sumter will receive $476,000 for CDBG Programs primarily consisting of youth employment, downtown historic preservations, affordable housing, demolition of substandard structures, and improvements including parks, streets and drainage.
• Charleston will receive $1.31 million for CDBG Programs, $923,734 for HOME Investment Partnership Programs, and $401,000 for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Programs.
• The Santee-Lynches HOME Consortium will receive $1 million for HOME Investment Partnership Programs in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties for affordable homeownership programs, housing rehabilitation, and housing assistance for the elderly.

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