News Summary
Florence’s Housing Authority is revitalizing old buildings in East Florence to create community-centered housing initiatives. With a focus on homeownership and critical repairs, community members can expect improved living conditions and numerous resources aimed at enhancing stability. The upcoming Creekside Apartments renovation marks a significant step towards reintegrating displaced families, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the community’s well-being.
Florence Boosts Community Spirit with Housing Initiatives
Residents of Florence can breathe a sigh of relief as the Housing Authority is stepping up to make a real difference in the community. The authority is taking old buildings off Pine Street in East Florence and giving them a fresh lease on life, aiming to assist families in several impactful ways, including paving pathways to homeownership.
A Smart Investment for the Community
Dr. Bradley, the Director of the Housing Authority, has reassured residents that the old building is far from falling apart; in fact, it presents a smart investment for community re-use. Centrally located, the building is easy for residents to access, and it’s the perfect spot to offer a variety of beneficial services that the community needs.
Currently, one building on the campus is already serving families, with plans in motion to renovate two additional properties in the near future. Exciting times are ahead for Florence and its residents!
One Stop Shop: A Hub of Opportunities
Dana Rutledge, the site manager for the Residential Services One Stop Shop, is at the helm of this initiative. The One Stop Shop is a treasure trove of programs including homeownership, critical home repair, credit rebuilding, and even a Family Self-Sufficiency Program. These resources are designed to cater to families from all walks of life, regardless of their current financial situation.
Rutledge emphasizes how crucial these programs are for families in need, providing a much-needed helping hand as they strive for stability and prosperity. Several families have already enrolled, with resident Qushanda Allen shining a light on the incredible opportunities available through the initiatives—opportunities that can indeed turn lives around.
Creekside Apartments: A Journey Back to Stability
In late 2022, Creekside Apartments hit the headlines when dangerous mold forced the Housing Authority to declare the complex uninhabitable. More than 84 residents were temporarily relocated to hotels, resulting in costs that soared above $200,000 each month for housing, food vouchers, and bus passes.
Fast forward to September 2023, and the number of residents in hotels has dramatically decreased from 84 down to just 27, and as of November, only five former residents remained in temporary accommodation. Thankfully, as of now, there are no residents left in hotels, a sign of progress and relief for those who faced uncertainty.
An engineering firm assessed the situation and confirmed that Creekside Apartments is indeed salvageable. With a renovation plan crafted by 1919 Architects and a construction company ready to jump in, the Housing Authority has been actively working revitalizing this critical housing resource.
Expect Renovation Work to Begin Soon
In a thrilling update, the Notice to Proceed with Work on Creekside Village apartments was issued two weeks prior to this announcement. Renovation work is set to kick off on February 10, with an anticipated completion date in August. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Former residents will have the opportunity to return to their renovated homes once all the repairs are completed.
With these efforts, it’s clear that the Housing Authority of Florence is not just meeting immediate needs but is genuinely investing in the community’s long-term well-being. Families can look forward to brighter days ahead, with more accessible resources and quality housing options paving the way for a healthier community spirit.
Florence, keep your hopes high—an invigorating transformation is underway, and it’s spearheaded by a community-focused approach that truly cares for its residents’ futures!
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Housing Authority Florence
- WMBF News: Drama in the Driver’s Seat
- WBTW: Renovation Plans for Creekside Apartments
- Google Search: Florence Housing Authority
- ABC3340: Investments in Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
