Beaufort County committee: 13 homes repaired, $100,003 paid to date; smoke‑alarm blitz planned

The Beaufort County Affordable Housing Committee reviewed program spending and outreach at its September meeting, hearing that 13 homes have received repairs totaling $99,005.52 and one home received $7.61 in tree services, for $100,003.13 paid to date.

Staff reported the fiscal year 2026 report (submitted Aug. 28) shows applications are being processed weekly and contractors are responding promptly. The repairs cited in the memo included roofing, flooring, deck work and plumbing. Committee staff also said the program is holding approximately $343,509 in available funds for future projects.

A committee member asked about carryover from the previous year; staff said there was a modest carryover—about $65,000—that was placed into the county's capital improvement program specifically for affordable housing. Staff said the carryover is kept in a different pot and is now targeted toward capital improvements for housing.

Committee members discussed outreach to increase applications. Staff said the program already distributes application information through Goodwill, Bluffton Self Help, Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen and local churches and urged committee members to suggest any nonprofits the program may not be reaching.

Public‑safety outreach was also on the agenda: staff said the Bluffton Fire Department will lead a smoke‑alarm installation blitz the first Saturday in October and will install alarms on site; details will be emailed to members for public distribution. The committee agreed to publicize the neighborhood assistance program and noted funds remain available.

The committee approved the prior meeting minutes by voice vote and adjourned.