division of community development
Programs
In 2000, the City of Greenville adopted a comprehensive approach to neighborhood
revitalization that includes developing master planning documents in partnership
with residents, businesses, faith-based organizations and health and human service
agencies. In addition, the City of Greenville focuses on housing related activities
and public services that address the primary causes of poverty according to the
needs identified by neighborhood residents. Each activity is carefully designed,
implemented and evaluated to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
LADDER Program
In association with Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. (SHARE) the Community
Development division has partnered with several local residents, officials, employers
and agencies to develop a Comprehensive Jobs Training/Improvement and placement
program called Lifelong Advancement through Diligence, Determination, and Employment
Resources (LADDER). The LADDER program is actively seeking individuals from the
community who would like to: Increase Earnings; Establish Self-Sufficiency; Further
Basic Education Skills; Acquire Job Skills Training; Obtain Job Placement Assistance;
Receive Supportive Services; Obtain Financial Services. More information
and eligibility requirements; or contact:
Quiwanna James, Case Manager
SHARE, Inc.
P.O. Box 10204 Greenville, SC 29603
864-269-0700 ext 246
Email
KEY Program
The KEY Program provides opportunities for home ownership to the residents of the
City’s Special Emphasis neighborhoods. Through a partnership with the Human Relations
Commission of Greenville County and several other state and local partners, the
program uses a comprehensive approach to assist participants in removing barriers
that diminish their chances of successfully becoming home owners. The KEY program
focuses on issues related to credit, savings, home maintenance, loan approval, and
money management. More information about this program;
or contact:
Sharon Smathers, Executive Director - Human Relations
Commission Email
301 University Ridge, Suite 1600
Greenville, SC 29601
864-467-7095
After School Tutorial Program
In partnership with The City of Greenville’s Parks and Recreation Department, the
Study Buddies Program is an after school tutorial program that focuses
on students in grades Kindergarten through eighth, with additional resources available
to high school students. The program is designed to improve access to resources
for students in low to moderate income areas, and is dedicated to educating students
in academics as well as life skills to develop more universal individuals who can
adapt and survive in the future’s ever changing environment.
More information, or contact:
Brad Cuttino, 864-467-4486.
New Home Ownership Program
The New Home Ownership Program offers assistance in the form of a down payment and
closing cost to first-time home buyers in neighborhoods where development partners
are constructing new homes. Increasing home ownership opportunities
is a goal for all “Special Emphasis Neighborhoods.” The City seeks to
maintain a balance of mixed income families who purchase homes through our New Home
Ownership Program by offering approximately 70% of all new homes constructed
to low/moderate income families, who have a total family income at or below 80%
of the median family income (MFI) for Greenville County. The remaining 30% of
new homes constructed will be available for market rate buyers who have a total
family income above 80% of MFI.
All properties in which Home Ownership funds were used for development shall be sold to low/moderate
income families. Families
earning below 80% of the MFI may qualify for special financing. Currently, the
City is working with development partners in the Green Avenue, Southernside, Greenline Spartanburg, West Greenville and
Sterling/West End neighborhoods. For
more information, call 864-467-4570.
Forms:
New Home Ownership Application
New Home Ownership Guidelines
GAP Program
The Grant Assistance Partnership (GAP) is a combined effort between the City of
Greenville, the United Way of Greenville County and the Greenville County Redevelopment
Authority to empower residents through their neighborhood associations with the
goal of enhancing and improving their communities.
Eligible Applicants: GAP funding of up to $2,500 is available to
city neighborhood associations located within the following Special Emphasis neighborhoods:
Arcadia Hills, Brutontown, Gower, Southernside, Greater Sullivan, Green Avenue,
Greenline-Spartanburg Haynie-Sirrine, Nicholtown, Greater Pleasant Valley, Sterling,
Viola, West End and West Greenville. Private homeowners or other associations are
ineligible to apply for GAP funding.
Eligible Projects: Projects may also address one or more of the
following areas of neighborhood development: Resident Involvement, Beautification,
Communication, Crime Prevention, Housing Development, Organizational Development,
Training and Education and Capital Improvements
Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate high levels of resident involvement
and to projects that seek to build and sustain connection among neighbors and groups
within the community. All projects should promote partnerships among neighbors and
should benefit the community as a whole. Projects on private property, with the
exception of "Yard-of-the-Month"-type projects, are not eligible to receive funding
through the GAP.
For more information, contact:
Yvonne Simpson, 864 467-4567
Download FY 11-12 Grant Assistance Partnership Application
Form (PDF doc)
Download FY 11-12 Grant Assistance Partnership Application
Form (Word doc)
Download Grant Assistance Partnership
Reporting Forms (PDF doc)
Download Grant Assistance Partnership
Reporting Forms (Word doc)
Greenville Dreams: Neighborhood Leadership Development
Greenville Dreams works directly with neighborhood association leaders to help build
upon the strengths and assets already present in their neighborhoods. Training and
peer support are provided to Special Emphasis neighborhood leaders in the areas
of problem-solving, successfully managing and leading a neighborhood association,
planning and goal-setting, resources available and effective communication skills.
Greenville Dreams is focused on positive change through resident-centered neighborhood
development. It is a partnership of the United Way, City of Greenville and the Greenville
County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA). For more information, contact:
Yvonne Simpson, 864 467-4567
Community Improvement Program
The Community Improvement Program (CIP) provides loans of up to $24,500 for qualified,
low income, owner-occupants in rehabilitating their homes. By providing loans for
the rehabilitation of existing housing, Community Development seeks to revitalize
and stabilize selected special-emphasis neighborhoods throughout the City. For a
complete list of eligible activities, and to see if your home is located in a qualified
neighborhood, call 864-467-4570.
Community Improvement Program Information (PDF file)
Community Improvement Program Application (PDF file)
Lead-Based Paint Information (PDF file)
Emergency Repair Program
The Emergency Repair Program provides up to $20,000 in funding to assist low and
very low income homeowners with repairs to their homes, that without immediate attention,
could threaten the occupants’ health and safety. In addition, costs associated with
improving accessibility for the handicapped are also available. For a complete list
of eligibility requirements, call 864-467-4570.
Emergency Repair Information (PDF file)
Emergency Repair Program Application (PDF file)
World Changers Program
Since 1999 World Changers has assisted Community Development by rehabilitating over
70 owner-occupied homes in its special emphasis neighborhoods. In the past, World
Changers has brought together youth and adult volunteers from across the country
to assist homes in need in the Greenville community. Through a special one-week
summer program sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist
Convention and the Greenville Baptist Association, volunteers improve the quality
of life of our communities by repairing and redeveloping substandard housing units.
In exchange for the building materials and coordination from Community Development,
World Changers contributes the necessary labor and invaluable skills to complete
the projects. For more information, contact:
Joe Smith
Administrator
864-467-4570
Paint the Town
The City and Central Community Ministries have partnered to bring Paint the Town
to the City's special emphasis neighborhoods. This program uses volunteers from
faith-based organizations to paint and clean the exterior of selected owner-occupied
houses. Since the program's inception in 2002, over 100 homes have been painted,
and the program continues to provide positive change for city residents.
More information, or contact:
Joe Smith
Administrator
864-467-4570
Paint the Town Program Application (PDF file)
Residential Development
The city partners with non-profit and for-profit developers on the development of
affordable and workforce housing. Residential developers utilize federal CDBG and HOME funds to
leverage other local, state and federal funding in the development of appropriate
housing in the city's special emphasis neighborhoods and throughout the city.
Contact: Ginny Stroud
Community Development Administrator
864-467-5468