Richland County Community Development will mark National Community Development Week by showcasing how federally funded programs make a positive difference in the lives of low- and moderate-income families.

Richland County Community Development will hold several events next week to celebrate the national campaign, which runs April 17-21:

• 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, April 17: Reading Extravaganza Kickoff Event at St. Lawrence Place, 2400 Waites Road, Columbia. Guests will read books to the children residing at St. Lawrence Place, followed by a tour of recent upgrades at the facility.

• 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, April 18: Open House at Epworth Children’s Home, 1154 Sunnyside Dr., Columbia. Tour showcasing recent upgrades at the children’s home.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18: Community Development Week Resolution, Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia. County Council will present a resolution and a brief video will be shown about Richland County’s down payment assistance program.

• 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19: Ribbon-cutting Event in District 5, 1320 House St., Columbia. Grand opening of 12 new housing units as a joint collaboration with Richland County, City of Columbia and Columbia Housing Authority. 

For more information about these events, contact James Mercado, Outreach Coordinator for Richland County Community Development, at mercadoj@rcgov.us or 803-576-2048.