History: The Aiken Housing Authority determined that their Valley Homes public housing complex was beyond repair. They got funding from HUD to demolish all of the units and set up a non-profit corporation called Community Development Improvement Corporation (CDIC). CDIC decided to partner with Nehemiah CRC in 2004 to submit applications for Section 42 tax credits, HOME funds, and Affordable Housing Program funds along with a bank loan from Carolina First bank.
Challenge: The units were originally designed such that the estimated cost of the construction significantly exceeded the allowable budget.
Solution: Within a month of application deadlines, Nehemiah CRC recommended a new architect and new plans were quickly developed. The complex was completed in 2006 and rented up in four months. The complex was named “Smith House” in honor of the dedicated service of the Honorable South Carolina House Representative J. Roland Smith.