Emergency housing assistance fund to help those impacted by pandemic

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A group of nonprofits and local governments today pledged more than $450,000 to support the new Emergency Housing Assistance Fund.

A joint announcement was made Monday by the United Way of Greenville County, city of Greenville, Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, Greenville Housing Fund, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, and United Housing Connections.

The fund will provide access to emergency shelter for those in need, as well as rent and mortgage assistance for those economically impacted by the effects of COVID-19, according to a news release. The fund potentially could leverage another $7 million in federal housing funds for Greenville County, the release said.

“We know many families are struggling right now after losing employment and wondering how they’re going to pay their rent this month, or keep a roof over their heads,” Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County, said in the news release. “The Emergency Housing Assistance Fund is a direct response to help meet those needs, working in coordinated partnership with local social services and housing organizations throughout Greenville County to help as many people as possible have a safe place to live during the COVID-19 shutdown.” 

“The willing collaboration between so many different groups to answer the call for assistance to those in need in our community is truly inspiring,” John Castille, CEO of Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, said in the release. “While we know federal assistance is forthcoming, this more flexible funding allows us to respond more quickly and meet the broader housing needs across the community.”

In addition to matched donations given by participating partners, $150,000 of the funds are coming from the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, which was created to provide critical resources, such as food, housing, access to healthcare and transportation during the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

“We are proud to join with these community partners to offer a helping hand to our neighbors in need,” Greenville Mayor Knox White said in the release. “COVID-19 has deeply impacted people in our community financially, socially and physically. Ensuring our residents are able to meet basic needs, including shelter, is a top priority for the cty of Greenville.”

Donations to support the ongoing COVID-19 Community Relief Fund can be made through the United Way’s website.