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The Post and Courier
October 25, 2006
By Kristen Hankla
Two noteworthy events occurred Friday at The Shires Apartments, tucked inside the West Ashley's Admore/Sherwood Forest neighborhood.
One was the dedication of the new 72-unit affordable housing community developed by the Humanities Foundation. The other was that Deloris Bobo got a glimpse of what her new home will be like, hours after learning that she was approved to lease of the units.
Bobo arrived at The Shires before the speakers and the guests. She was excited and wanted to handpick her first-floor, one-bedroom apartment, which she hopes to move into in two and a half weeks.
Bobo currently lives in a two-story townhome in North Charleston, but the stairs are getting too difficult for the 54-year-old, who suffers from arthritis, diabetes and lung and heart problems. She learned of The Shires from her friend Ethel Thompson, who lives in Sherwood Forest and who witnessed the complex's construction, which took about a year.
From seeing only its exterior, Bobo selected a unit facing the parking lot instead of woods as she thought it would allow more sunshine to come in. She informed property manager, Rhonda Staley of her choice before the dedication began.
In a parking lot too new to be striped, dignitaries spoke with enthusiasm about The Shires and the importance of affordable housing in the community. Featured speaker, Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley said the lack of affordable housing is a national problem and, like all national problems, must be dealt with at the local level. "It isn't just, it isn't American, it isn't and shouldn't be Charleston," he said. Riley said the affordable housing provided by Humanities Foundation "captures the spirit of American enterprise."
The foundation has leased more than 720 units to families with household incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income since its founding in 1992. According to the nonprofit organization, individuals must make below $19,750 and families of four must make below $28,200 to apply. Other application requirements are proof of income, a rental/mortgage history check and a SLED criminal background check.
Monthly rent at The Shires ranges from $461 for a one-bedroom unit to $632 for a three-bedroom unit.
"This will give 72 families a wonderful place to live in a wonderful neighborhood in our city," Riley said, "It's a very proud day in Charleston."
John Henry, executive director of Humanities Foundation, presided over the event. "Being a part of the Ardmore/Sherwood Forest neighborhood, (The Shires) residents will have the opportunity to contribute to deep-roooted, flourishing community, enriching their own lives and the lives of their neighbors," he said.
Other speakers were Tracy Doran, president of Humanities Foundation; William Dudley Gregorie, director of the S.C. Field Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Geona Shaw Johnson, director of the city's Department of Housing and Community Development; Louis Waring, Charleston City Councilmember for District 7; and Valerie Williams, Deputy for Programs of S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority.
The Rev. Rufus Cochran led the invocation and dedication.
Attendees enjoyed a cake with an icing illustration of the three-story apartment building before taking tours of two of the units. It was Bobo's first look inside.
She smiled as she crossed the threshold with a cane, and proceeded to check out each corner and kitchen appliance. Bobo, who was born and raised in West Ashley and who has a daughter in the area, deemed The Shires Apartments a good place to call home.
