- Home
- Departments
- Community Development
- Affordable Housing
Affordable housing
-
-
“These resources have catapulted me to a higher level than I thought I would be”
Filled with anticipation, Roslyn Porter and her son eagerly prepare to settle into their new home dedicated as "Ginny's House," which holds the promise of a bright future for both of them. Watch the Dedication of Ginny's House -
"IT FEELS LIKE A LOT FOR OUR FAMILY TO HAVE ITS OWN HOME."
Maria Huerta is looking forward to having a new home, a place where her family can build memories. Watch the Huerta's Story -
"I FEEL LIKE I’M IN A DREAM RIGHT NOW, I HAVE TO CHECK MYSELF TO MAKE SURE I’M HERE."
Yvonne Oneal found safe, affordable housing as a resident of Renaissance Park senior housing apartments. -
"THE CITY OF GREENVILLE HAS A GREAT PROGRAM. YOU JUST HAVE TO GET IN TOUCH."
First-time homeowner Joi Phillips said the down-payment assistance program helped her seal the deal on her new home. Watch Joi's Story -
"I’M AMAZED BY EVERYONE’S HARD WORK, STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THIS ACTUALLY MY HOUSE."
Christina Milagria (right) celebrated with family, friends and Habitat volunteers at the wall raising for her Habitat for Humanity home. -
"I JUST REALLY CAN'T EXPRESS IT... I'M JUST SO BLESSED"
Lonnie Hudgens was overjoyed to move into her new affordable rental home with her grandsons. Watch Lonnie's Story
Making Livability OUR Priority
Greenville is being developed for ALL residents. We are taking meaningful action to create affordable housing.
Both the GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan and Greenville City Council prioritize affordable housing, neighborhoods, open space and mobility.
Our new development code includes affordable housing incentives and focuses on balanced growth that creates opportunity for everyone to thrive.
The city has made specific investments in affordable housing every year since the 2018 Affordable Housing Action plan – more than $10.5 million so far with an additional $14 million planned over the next five years. During the past 24 months, the Planning Commission has approved 618 new affordable units citywide ranging from 30% to 100% AMI.
In April 2023, Greenville City Council affirmed their support of a Greenville Housing Fund (GHF) plan to accelerate affordable housing projects within the city limits.
The Council unanimously re-affirmed their commitment of $2.5 million annually for the next four years, giving GHF the support it needs to leverage $33 million for affordable housing projects. The Council’s action means GHF can secure financing and pursue an accelerated plan to create affordable multi-family housing, particularly along corridors. In neighborhoods, GHF also will support homeownership opportunities with single-family homes.
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE?
Strictly speaking, affordable housing is housing that doesn’t take up more than a third of your monthly income.
So, if you’re earning $3,000 a month ($36,000/year), that’s no more than $1,000/month.
Median income in Greenville is about $60,000 – that’s $5,000/month. Therefore, affordable housing is anything that doesn’t top $1,667/month. Depending on credit scores, down payments and other variables, that’s enough to buy a $250,000 home.
But here’s the problem: median housing values are now above $300,000 in the city, meaning median income families are being squeezed out. In the end, it comes down to the fact that as housing prices rise, families are forced to either overpay or move further away, putting both pressure on their wallets and overall quality of life.