Last week I had the opportunity to link up with Ivory Mathews (executive director) and Kathy Mitchell (asset manager) with TGHA – The Greenville Housing Authority (a.k.a the folks who help provide housing assistance for veterans + low-income families) to tour four of their newest complexes.
Since 1938, they’ve used programs like vouchers + public housing (previously known as Section 8 housing). Recently, they’ve also added mixed-income developments, which utilize low-income housing tax credits (a federal program to encourage the development of affordable housing).
Each community offers brand new units, that are within 2 miles of downtown and come with complimentary wi-fi, washer & dryer, computer & community rooms, and on-site staff to help these families grow and prosper.
Here’s what we saw on our tour…
The Manor at West Greenville | 11 Manning St. | 42 (1 BR) units + 13 (2 BR) units
The Manor is one of TGHA’s senior affordable housing projects which requires all residents living there to be 62 years or older (required by HUD).
The complex offers residents:
- Multiple mini-libraries on each floor
- A large community room with a kitchen and game tables
- A small beauty center
Heritage at Sliding Rock | 125 Ramsey Dr. | 42 (1 BR units), 6 (2 BR units) + 12 (2 BR cottages)
Located off of Pleasantburg Dr. (between Ferris and Laurens Rd.) in the Nicholtown neighborhood, which is accessible to grocery stores (Publix + Fresh Market) including easy bus access.
The second of three affordable developments specifically for seniors which the TGHA hopes will help provide homes for all seniors affected by the implosion of the former Scott Towers Public Housing Community.
The Gallery at West Greenville | 138 Traction St. | 66 units (ranging from 1 – 4 BR) + 12 artist studios
Formerly known as the Westview Community, the newly revamped Gallery will continue to grow the artist community here in the Village of West Greenville, as almost all of the residents in the 66 unit community will have an arts background of some sort (whether they are an artist themselves, or have children involved in the arts).
An art culture will embody the community. The barrier walls that cover the dumpsters will have murals painted on them (in partnership with Blank Canvas Mural co.), the Greenville Center for Creative Arts will be offering art classes, and the community center will act as a rotating art-showroom for the artists that live there.
Harbor at West Greenville | 430 Perry Ave. | 57 units (focused specifically on housing low – moderate income families)
DYK: The Harbor at West Greenville was formerly Mountain View Homes, Greenville’s first public housing project through the Greenville Housing Authority? Built back in the 1940s, these row houses are now being revitalized through the same $23M funding that the Gallery is being built upon + will house up to 57 families.
The Harbor will feature the largest community center among those in the West End, and plans to offer services such as helping GHA residents:
- Secure scholarships for high school students
- Getting families back to self sufficiency
- Employment opportunities
- Healthcare
- And education
100 Black Men of the Upstate will also be offering a mentoring program
If you’re interested in learning more about affordable housing in Greenville you can see a fairly comprehensive list via AffordableHousingonline, The Greenville Housing Authorities website, or the City of Greenville’s website.
You can even check out our articles here and here on what affordable housing is, isn’t, and how it’s affecting Greenvillians today.
