Press Releases
Affordable Housing Partners Announces Plans for Statewide Housing Forum - 11/25/2003
[Columbia, SC] Drawing from the success of the State Housing Authority’s 2003 Palmetto Housing Forum, two federal agencies and two affordable housing advocacy groups have joined the Authority in a cooperative effort to present a more comprehensive Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum early next year. Plans are underway now by the partners – the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Fannie Mae Corporation, the Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina, and the South Carolina Homeless Coalition – for the 2004 event to be held February 4th – 5th at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Columbia. The Affordable Housing Forum, the only statewide meeting of its kind in the Palmetto State, is expected to attract over 300 participants – including representatives from local and state government, for profit and nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, social service agencies, and housing advocates across the state.
The Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum is designed for the novice and experienced housing professional as well as those interested in improving the supply and condition of affordable housing in the state. The Forum will offer South Carolinians working in the housing arena and related industries an opportunity to keep abreast of the latest developments in affordable housing while networking with their peers. In fact, it is the best option for a wide range of industry professionals confronted with similar housing challenges to network, according to Charles I. Small, chairman of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. “It’s a chance for the affordable housing community to come together, share ideas, and build relationships that can help expand housing choices for South Carolinians with modest and limited incomes.” Session highlights of the conference plans to date include:
· Challenges for the Latino/Hispanic population;
· Advocacy: Affecting the Legislative Process;
· Issues for Homeless families;
· Best practices in Affordable Housing Development;
· Services for Homeless Veterans;
· Four-hour continuing education training for Realtors®;
· Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) training for Homeless Service Providers; and
· Workshops on HUD, Fannie Mae, and State Housing Authority programs and products.
Winners of the State Housing Authority’s annual South Carolina Housing Achievement Awards and its heart-warming “What My Home Means to Me” Coloring and Essay Contest for Children will be presented at an awards luncheon hosted by popular television personality Joe Pinner.
Registration for the Forum is a nominal $75 on or before January 1st and $100 thereafter. The registration fee will include all sessions, two luncheons, and a legislative reception. Call Alice Brooks or Barbara Pearson, (803) 734-2364, or visit the Authority’s website: www.sha.state.sc.us/forum for more information. Persons wishing to register online with a credit card may do so beginning December 1st.
Equal Housing Opportunity