BENNETTSVILLE—In response to the growing crisis of affordable housing in our county, community leaders have planned an Affordable Housing Summit. On August 21, 2024, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USDA Office of Rural Development, the SC Housing Trust Fund, private developers, policymakers, industry experts, and community leaders will meet here in Marlboro County to provide workshops and take part in panel discussions. The gathering is aimed at tackling one of the most pressing issues facing communities today: the availability of affordable housing.

Across Marlboro County, the demand for affordable housing has reached unprecedented levels. Skyrocketing rents and housing prices have pushed many families and individuals to the brink of financial instability, with some even facing homelessness. This crisis extends beyond urban centers, affecting suburban and rural areas such as ours, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach. We need private developers and lenders to join us to participate in our housing and financing panel discussions and encourage them to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mccc-affordable-housing-summit-tickets-898722833187”

The Summit will look at the role of policies in addressing housing affordability. Discussions surrounding zoning reform, incentives for developers to build affordable units, and the allocation of public funds to support low-income housing initiatives. Participants will discuss the importance of cooperation at the local, state, and federal levels to enact meaningful changes.

Michael Strong, the Affordable Housing Summit Coordinator, says that “Working with Representative Patricia Henegan, Marlboro County Coordinating Council, and the Summit planning committee, I am heartened by the collaborative spirit and meaningful discussions that have unfolded during our time together. The Summit planning has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who are passionate about addressing the critical issue of housing affordability. Our Summit will hopefully increase public awareness about the importance of housing affordability and dispel misconceptions about its impact on our communities.”

As the Summit approaches, we recognize there are significant challenges that lie ahead. These include overcoming regulatory barriers, securing sustainable funding sources, and addressing opposition to affordable housing projects. Experts from housing policy think tanks, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private developers will share their perspectives on the underlying causes and potential solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

In addition to policy discussions, the Summit will showcase innovative approaches being implemented across different regions. These include public-private partnerships that leverage resources from both sectors to create affordable housing developments, as well as community land trusts that enable residents to collectively own and manage affordable housing units. We hope that Summit participants will gain a renewed commitment to advancing the cause of affordable housing. Key outcomes of the Summit include: the formation of task forces to explore policy recommendations, the establishment of funding mechanisms to support housing initiatives, and ongoing dialogue aimed at fostering greater community engagement.

The Affordable Housing Summit serves as a critical platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart a course of action to address the housing affordability crisis. While the road ahead remains challenging, the Summit will demonstrate that by working together and embracing innovation, meaningful progress can be achieved in ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.

Representative Pat Henegan of House District 54, “I am inspired by the commitment shown by all participants to take concrete steps towards meaningful change. We will continue to collaborate closely with stakeholders and work tirelessly to ensure that affordable housing remains a top priority on the county and state agenda.”

Although the Summit will not be open to the public, four (4) focus groups for community members to express their views and ideas will be held around the county. Bennettsville/Blenheim on July 15th, Clio on July 11th, McColl on July 10th, and Wallace on July 25th. The community’s valuable feedback will be taken back to the Summit Committee and to the Summit itself.

As communities continue to grapple with the implications of the housing affordability crisis, the insights and commitments made at the summit will undoubtedly shape future policies and initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and sustainable housing landscape for all.

Michael Strong also asked that developers and lenders are being recruited for panel discussions. We encourage them to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mccc-affordable-housing-summit-tickets-898722833187”