For the past two years, South Carolina has been in recovery mode. Long-term recovery for families, business and municipalities, following the historic rain event and flood of October 2015, is seen in almost every county. Recently, during National Community Development Week, Richland County celebrated the first home in its flood recovery program given to a flood survivor. The event marked a major milestone in the County’s recovery program and also presented a second chance at recovery for those still living in unsafe and conditions.
According to the county, a second home was released to a waiting flood survivor, less than a week from when the County celebrated its first ribbon cutting. County Community Development Director, Valeria Jackson, said it took about five months to release the first new home and all homes will be given by the year 2020. She encourages those waiting for their “recovery” moment to continue to be patient.
Richland County is able to provide the mobile homes through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding; which is administered through the Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD). $23.5 million was originally awarded to the county and an additional $7.25 million award in February of 2018.
From May 15, 2017 to June 15, 2017, the County received over 500 registrations for the Returning Home program.February's additional funding from HUD will allow Richland County to re-open its recovery program application period. “We are re-opening the process, and we're really excited about that, Jackson said. The County will begin talking applications for the program May 21. "This is for people who have not applied. So if they did not hear about it, or somehow missed it, this is a second opportunity."
Contact the Richland County Community Development Department at 803-576-2230 for additional information about the flood recovery program or click here for the county's website.