Press Releases
Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum Attracts Statewide Audience - 1/26/2005
[Columbia, SC] Affordable housing is a growing issue that impacts many families in South Carolina. The need ranges from homelessness to homeownership and continues to remain in the forefront with housing advocates across the state. For that reason, government officials, community leaders, and housing professionals from across the state gathered on January 25th and 26th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. This is the second year that a partnership – the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, the Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina, Fannie Mae, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and USDA-Rural Development joined forces to sponsor this informative event.
The Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum brought together more than 350 lenders, brokers, developers, builders, real estate professionals, housing advocates and representatives from state, local and federal government agencies.
Scott Wesley Morgan, building enthusiast and television host of Dream Builders, Home and Garden Television Network delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included Lawrence Anderson, Vice president of Enterprise Foundation; and Van Gottel, President and founder of the non-profit corporation Socialserve.com., who also presented a demonstration of an automated “one stop” service.
Charles I. Small, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and Dr. Eugene A. Laurent, executive director for the Authority, presided over the presentation of the South Carolina Housing Achievement Awards. Seven awards were presented in six categories: public sector, private sector for-profit, private sector non-profit, creative partnerships, housing development, and volunteer services. Winners of the agency’s popular children’s coloring and essay contest “What My Home Means to Me” were also announced. The Agency’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Montez C. Martin, executive director of the Charleston County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and chairman of the Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina. It is the fifth such award presented in the agencies history. Television personality Joe Pinner served as Master of Ceremonies.
Over 25 special sessions were offered by the Affordable Housing Coalition of S.C., Fannie Mae, HUD, USDA-Rural Development, and State Housing. These sessions included, changes in the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund, challenges of housing for the Latino/Hispanic population, low income tax credit issues for 2005, and the importance of partnering in addressing the affordable housing needs of South Carolina.
The two-day Forum also provided additional workshops on affordable housing initiatives and programs including housing discrimination, issues of homeless families, and best practices in affordable housing development. Rental developers, owners, and managers received the latest information on the tax credit program and information on completing the 2005 Tax Credit application.
The partners of the Palmetto Affordable Housing Forum have a common goal of improving affordable housing in the State of South Carolina. Through events such as the Forum, a significant and powerful difference in improving affordable housing is not a goal for the citizens of our state, it can be a reality.
Equal Housing Opportunity