Richland County outlines HUD CDBG, HOME and ESG priorities; school social worker and senior-services group call for more housing and supports

Richland County staff used a noon needs‑assessment hearing to walk through how the county plans to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds in the coming program year and to solicit public input.

Marcus Smith, the county’s CDBG grants analyst, said the county’s current CDBG allocation is roughly $1,782,250 and reviewed eligible activities (housing rehabilitation, public facilities, demolition, economic development and public services). Smith listed recent and planned projects—examples included rehab of Green Lakes subdivision, ADA facility upgrades through Midlands Housing Alliance, Hopkins Park pool repairs, an acquisition/renovation project for Servant Connect, and work supporting Homeless No More’s Saint Lawrence Place campus.

Smith and other staff described a slate of 2025 projects and partner organizations with a combined facilities figure of about $779,390.92, and identified public‑service awards intended to serve veterans, families at risk of homelessness, adults with disabilities, food distribution programs and fatherhood initiatives.

Adrienne Jackson, manager of housing, described the Operation One Touch homeowner‑repair program, which targets eligible low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners in unincorporated Richland County and Blythewood, aims to assist about 20 households per year and can provide up to $24,000 per home for interior and exterior repairs. Jackson also reviewed HOME program rules and said the county’s HOME allocation is $795,692.86; she noted a 10 percent administrative cap on HOME funds and discussed CHODO set‑asides. Jackson proposed $200,000 for down‑payment assistance and described a partnership with Columbia Housing Authority to preserve and rehabilitate 50 single‑family properties, with HUD deed releases anticipated in August 2026 and rehabilitation slated to begin in summer 2026.

On ESG, Richardson said the grant supports street outreach, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and the HMIS client‑tracking system; staff said they will continue to coordinate local ESG funds with state allocations and local providers.

During public comment, Abby Cobb, coordinator of social work for Richland School District 2, said the district identified 592 students experiencing homelessness last year, that 40–50 percent of those students are elementary‑age, and that roughly 25 percent of families served by her office are living long‑term in hotels. Cobb urged more affordable housing and eviction‑prevention resources.

Becky Morrison, speaking for Senior Resources, told the hearing the nonprofit provides Meals on Wheels and other services to about 1,100 older adults annually and urged continued county support as the senior population grows.

Richardson reminded attendees that the draft plan will be released for public display on June 7, public comment for the current display runs through May 4, and that the item will proceed to committee and council review before submission to HUD if approved.

Note on record consistency: staff presentations contained inconsistent statements about the percentage cap for public‑service spending (both a 15 percent cap and a 50 percent cap were referenced at different points in the presentation). The hearing record shows those inconsistent figures; the county should clarify the correct cap in the draft plan and public materials.