Contact Information, Office Hours
Functions, Department Responsibilities
FAQ's, Common Terms, History, Interesting Facts
Community Development Grants Information and Applications
Senior Citizen Tax Work-Off Program
Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan for PY2010 Projects
The Community Services Department actively seeks available grant funding for County programs and provides administrative and financial oversight for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant activities. These activities include the Urban Entitlement Program, which is managed by the department's Community Development division. Additionally, the Community Services Department manages the Charleston Development Corporation and special projects.
Urban Entitlement funding through HUD is designed to improve housing and neighborhoods in economically disadvantaged areas. This is accomplished by various community development activities and by sub-granting funding to area organizations through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Partnership Investment (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs.
Staff provides avenues of economic development for local governments and employment training services to individuals, business and industry.
The Grants Development and Special Projects Division manages the Charleston Development Corporation (CDC)-a non-profit created to secure funding for charitable endeavors. This division actively seeks funding opportunities and then assists departments in developing compelling grant applications. In addition, this division manages the County's Medically Indigent Assistance Program, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, and various other ongoing projects.
Actively seek available grant funding for County activities
Grants Development and Special Projects
Prepares and distributes a monthly listing of available federal, state, local and charitable funding opportunities to area nonprofits, faith-based organizations and other interested parties. If you would like to be added to the e-mail distribution list, send a request to srwilliams@charlestoncounty.org.
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Q: |
How can I get my home fixed? |
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A: |
The Community Development Division no longer administers a housing rehabilitation program. Citizens in need of minor home repairs are encouraged to contact the local Trident United Way Community Hotline by either dialing 211 (similar to dialing 911 in an emergency), 843-747-3007, or by visiting their website at http://www.211help.org/. Citizens are also encouraged to contact their Town Hall to inquire if their town provides minor home repair services. |
| Q: | Could you tell me more about the septic/well upgrade program? |
| A: | The Community Development Division uses grant funding to pay for upgrades to eligible well and septic systems in Charleston County. The assistance is provided to qualified low to moderate income residents who reside in Charleston County where well and/or septic systems are the primary source of water. Applications are being accepted and placed on a waiting list. They may be obtained at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Grants/FormsIndex.htm or by calling 202-6976. |
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) - A federal grant program designed to improve housing and neighborhoods in economically disadvantaged areas and to provide economic development for local governments.
ESG (Emergency Shelter Grants) - A program designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to prevent homelessness and to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living.
HOME (HOME Investment Partnership Act) - The HOME Program was created by the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (NAHA). Its objective is to provide decent affordable housing to lower income households, expand the capacity of non-profit providers and strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing.
HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) - The federal agency that oversees housing and community development projects.
MIAP (Medically Indigent Assistance Program) – Provides inpatient hospital services for indigent individuals. Contact (843) 202-6968.
Passage of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 encouraged County Council (to hold public hearings to determine which grants would be appropriately applied under it. A $3 million grant in 1978 funded drainage projects, water extensions, park acquisitions, planning and management, housing rehabilitation, and creation of a Community Development Division in the Public Works Department. The division served residents of Union, Windsor and Howard Heights. Community Development was reassigned to the Planning Department and later was consolidated with CETA under the Community Services Department.
The Charleston County Grants Department was created in 1980 and currently reports directly to the County Administrator.
Through special legislation, the Community Development Division (CD) received Urban Entitlement status which enables the County to broaden its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) efforts. At the time, there had been only six such designations in the country. Since 1978, CD has received more than $6,558,000 in CDBG funds, rehabilitated more than 175 owner-occupied housing units, provided funding for infrastructure construction and connected more than 100 family dwellings to those systems.
Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Service Building
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 202-6960
(843) 202-6961 (Fax)
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.