Richland County Community Development is once again the recipient of a national award for showcasing the many resources it provides to residents through federal funding.
The John A. Sasso Award – named after the founder of the National Community Development Association – was presented to Richland County at a conference this week in Long Beach, Calif. This is the fourth time Richland County has been honored with the award, which recognizes organizations that make great efforts to promote and celebrate the opportunities afforded to individuals through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). CDBG grants are issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and primarily support projects that serve local low- to moderate-income families.
“Using HUD funding, we are able to positively impact the quality of life for the residents of Richland County by improving housing and infrastructure, supporting neighborhood enhancement projects and offering special workshops and programs,” said Community Development Manager Valeria Davis. “We are a small but mighty staff, and each of us has a heart for our community.”
Some of Community Development’s initiatives this year include:
- A free conference that provided fair housing information and legal resources to the local Latino community
- Presenting the Modjeska Monteith Simkins Award for Human Rights & Social Justice to local civil rights activists
- An interactive work session about fair housing challenges
- Homeowner Assistance and Homeowners Rehabilitation programs
- Ongoing support of Richland County’s flood recovery program. Through CDBG-DR funding, more than 300 residents whose homes were severely damaged by the October 2015 flood are receiving new or repaired homes.
Richland County Council recognized Community Development staff in April, which is National Fair Housing Month, by presenting a resolution that commends their efforts to provide neighborhood enhancement projects and equal housing opportunities for residents.
To learn more about Richland County Community Development, visit richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-2063.