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SC Housing Launches $25 Million Rental, Mortgage Assistance Program for COVID-19 Relief

SC Housing Launches $25 Million Rental, Mortgage Assistance Program for COVID-19 Relief

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 18, 2021) – SC Housing this week launched its $25 million SC Stay rental and mortgage assistance program to assist South Carolina residents whose finances have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To begin the initial application for rental and mortgage assistance through the SC Stay program, visit www.SCStay.org or call 833.985.2929. Following an initial screening, one of SC Housing’s contract processing agencies will reach out to applicants to complete the application process. For more information about this program to help renters and homeowners, visit SCHousing.com.

With thousands of South Carolina residents potentially facing eviction, the need for assistance is great. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted.

Those who qualify may receive up to $7,500 for six consecutive months of short-term rental and mortgage assistance for back rent to February 2020 and/or future rent payments. Assistance is available for individuals and families who:

  • Certify that they are eligible and their income is at or below 80% of county median income adjusted by family size.
  • Demonstrate that they are unable to pay all or part of the rent or mortgage, or are behind on their rent or mortgage, due to circumstances stemming from the coronavirus. Examples of this include, but are not limited to:
    • Lost wages due to layoff;
    • Reduced hours as a result of an employer going out of business or a reduction of staff; or
    • Inability to work due to infection with COVID-19 and required quarantine or a quarantine of a family member, etc.
  • Have landlord or lender confirmation of their past-due status and be willing to accept payment on their behalf.

Funding for the program is being provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program—Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds, and is part of the CARES Act. The S.C. Department of Commerce makes these funds available to organizations and requested that SC Housing serve as the lead agency for rental and mortgage assistance payments for residents affected by COVID-19.

“Affordable, safe and decent housing is a basic human need – and never has that been made more clear than during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bonita Shropshire, executive director of SC Housing. “We know that tens of thousands of South Carolinians have and continue to be impacted by this health and financial crisis.

“Our hope is that this assistance will help more people remain in their homes during this critical time.”

About SC Housing
SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs. For more information, visit www.SCHousing.com.