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Press Release (scroll down for photos)
October 23 , 2006
CHARLESTON, S.C.–Charleston-based nonprofit organization Humanities Foundation® hosted the dedication Friday of its newest affordable apartment development, The Shires Apartments located in West Ashley.
“Affordable housing is a national problem, and national problems have to be addressed and solved at the local level,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley commented at the dedication. “The Shires Apartments is a wonderful example of addressing this need in an attractive, positive way that shows how the community can come together to give more people a safe and comfortable place to call home.”
Mayor Riley was the featured speaker at the event and the Reverend Rufus Cochran offered the invocation and dedication. Others dignitaries participating included District Seven Councilmember Louis Waring; Geona Shaw Johnson, Director, City of Charleston Housing and Community Development; William Dudley Gregorie, S.C. State Field Office Director, Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Valerie Williams, Deputy for Programs, S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority.
“It’s exciting to see the community join together in fulfilling the foundation’s mission of providing affordable housing in our area,” commented Tracy Doran, president and co-founder of Humanities Foundation. “Every new apartment means a family not previously served has an attractive, affordable place to live. Ideally, they become more engaged members of our community and enhance and strengthen our neighborhoods as a result.”
Located at 1020 Little John Drive in Charleston, Shires is a new 72-unit apartment development designed for families. The complex features one-, two- and three-bedroom units fully equipped with modern conveniences and offers a computer center, playground, covered picnic area and laundry facility. Ranging in size from 710 to 1,142 square feet, the apartments rent for $461 to $632 per month.
“We are pleased to offer The Shires Apartments as an affordable housing option for low-income families in West Ashley and the greater Charleston area,” commented foundation executive director John Henry. “Being a part of the Ardmore/Sherwood Forest neighborhood, our residents will have the opportunity to contribute to a deep-rooted, flourishing community, enriching their own lives and the lives of their neighbors.”
Designed to offer attractive living options to lower income families, the apartments are available to families with a household income at or below 50 percent of the area median income, which, for an individual, means the income limit is $19,750 and for a family of four it is $28,200. Application requirements also include proof of income, SLED criminal background check and rental/mortgage history check.
Since its founding in 1992, Humanities Foundation® has been a leader in addressing the affordable housing crisis. In addition to its primary mission to develop affordable housing units, it also provides a range of services for residents, and in the community, that serve to alleviate problems associated with homelessness and affordable housing. The foundation has developed over 720 rental units of affordable housing – with another 72 units under construction and 72 units in pre-development - providing homes for more than 1,100 low-to-moderate-income families, including those with special needs such as the disabled, single mothers and senior citizens.
District 7 Councilmember Louis Waring
Rev. Rufus Cochran and Valerie Williams, SC State Housing Deputy for Programs
Tracy Doran, President and Co-founder, Humanities Foundation
Elizabeth Boineau, E. Boineau & Company
Edward McKelvey, VP, Community Development, First Federal
