FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GCRA Announces Affordable Housing Programs for Mauldin and Simpsonville

The Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) announced today the availability of down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers in the cities of Mauldin and Simpsonville. Eligible applicants will be able to receive six percent of the sales price for down payment assistance up to a maximum of $6,000. GCRA’s Executive Director, Martin L. Livingston, Jr., stated, “The program is targeted to these two communities because of the high cost of housing in those areas. GCRA has been receiving requests for affordable homeownership in both communities; however, high land costs and construction costs prevent the agency from meeting those needs.”

Also, the GCRA Board approved a purchase-rehab program for tenants of rental property interested in purchasing the homes that they rent. The Redevelopment Authority will work with landlords and tenants to purchase the property the tenants occupy to provide homeownership opportunities in both Mauldin and Simpsonville. Eligible applicants will be able to receive a combined mortgage for purchase and repairs to the homes with interest rates as low as 4.5 percent for 30 years. For more information please contact the Redevelopment Authority at (864) 242-9801.

The Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) was established in 1974 to serve as the county agency for providing safe, decent, affordable housing for low and moderate income citizens. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for low and moderate income citizens of Greenville County through improved affordable housing and revitalization of the physical, social and economic infrastructure necessary to the well-being of communities. Through partnerships and federal funding (Community Development Block Grant, HOME) the GCRA has improved affordable housing and revitalized neighborhoods all across Greenville County, including the small cities of Fountain Inn, Greer, Travelers Rest, Mauldin, and Simpsonville.

More information regarding the Redevelopment Authority and its programs is available at www.greenvillecounty.org.

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(November 2006)