Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Charleston County will receive $3.7 million in federal grants to support housing programs. The awards consist of $2.438 million for the Community Development Block Grant Program; $1.079 million for the HOME Investment Partnership Program; $91,411 for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program; and $119,418 for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative.

• The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops viable communities and provides housing and a suitable living environment by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
• The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing for low-income households. It allows communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
• The Emergency Shelter Grant Program provides funds for the rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter for the homeless and for homeless prevention activities.
• The American Dream Downpayment Initiative promotes home ownership by providing necessary resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households.

The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####