Press Releases
Bines Devotes Two Decades to the Cause of Affordable Housing - 10/2/2008
Since 1980 South Carolina has seen the administration of four governors, Hurricane Hugo, the rise of the internet, as well as economic ebbs and flow. Throughout that time the one thing that has been consistent is the dedication and leadership of Eddie Bines at the South Carolina State Housing and Finance Authority, promoting the cause of quality, affordable housing for all South Carolinians.
Bines, a native of Bennettsville, now makes his home in Charleston. He currently holds the position of Deputy Director with the City of Charleston’s Housing Division. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claflin College and a Masters degree in Management from Webster University.
In 1988, then Governor Carroll Campbell tapped Bines as a new Commissioner for the State Housing Authority. He has served continuously since then, including three years as Vice-Chairman. Bines approached the job with enthusiasm. Twenty years later he is still just as enthusiastic. He is also reflective, looking back over twenty years of housing issues and seeing the work he does as more important than ever.
Recalling 20 years in the affordable housing arena Bines has observed many obstacles to affordable housing, from skyrocketing real estate prices; the gentrification of once affordable neighborhoods; predatory lending; to the current sub-prime and credit crisis of today. “There has always been a portion of our citizens who were left out or let down, and for whom our services are not only essential, but can be life-changing.” said Bines.
During his tenure, Bines has overseen more than $1 billon in bond issues to provide first time mortgages to new homebuyers, the advent of the Housing Trust Fund, which devotes a portion of deed transfer fees to helping non profit organizations throughout the state make emergency repairs and rehabilitation to property and help preserve in some of the state’s most underserved areas. Bines took a nation position in 1998 when he was elected to the National Council of State Housing Boards. He would go on to serve three terms, currently serving in the capacity of Secretary.
“After 20 years the mission of the Authority is more important now than it has ever been.” said Bines, “In difficult economic times, the assistance, direction and hope our programs provide improve the quality of life for our entire state.”
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