The following resources can help prospective homeowners purchase a house and allow existing homeowners to get repairs or financial assistance.
Homeowner Resources
The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (State Housing Authority)
300-C Outlet Point Boulevard
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 896-9001
The State Housing Authority, located in Columbia, SC, administers various homeownership and housing repair programs statewide.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Rural Development
1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 765-5163
Formerly known as US Farmers Home Administration, this federal agency has limited funds available to assist with housing repairs as well as homeownership. Eligibility requirements include income and geographic location.
SC Habitats for Humanity
209 South Sumter Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 252-3570
Although Habitat for Humanity primarily focuses on providing homeownership opportunities for deserving qualified families, they occasionally have resources available to assist elderly occupied households with repairs. Contact the organization for more information on qualifying requirements and the availability of assistance.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD maintains an inventory of foreclosures, some of which are very desirable residential properties that can be purchased for much less than the appraised market value. For a listing of properties in your area, visit the HUD Homes website.
South Carolina Community Action Agencies (CAA)
The local Community Action Agency distributes low-income heating and cooling assistance funds and home weatherization funds each year. Weatherization funds cannot be used for major rehabilitation work, but they can do limited energy improvements like insulation, windows, doors, weather-stripping or caulking.
Counseling and Legal Services
SC Legal Services
This agency provides free legal services in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters, including employment, housing and public benefits eligible to low-income residents of South Carolina.