Lowcountry Housing & Economic Development Foundation, Inc.

December 2010

Dear Friend, 

Each year, the Lowcountry Housing and Economic Development Foundation provides assistance to numerous families in our community whose lives are affected by housing shortages, blight, and economic hardship. We work diligently to address these needs in an environment that is difficult at best and disheartening at worst.  Over the years, we have been able to support families by providing decent and affordable housing and providing related services to ensure they are able to maintain them.  This year has been marked by even more economic hardship and funds to provide housing assistance are limited and often lost in a sea of other pressing community needs.

 As a result, we are launching "Give Me Ten", a capital campaign to raise $300,000 that will enable us to continue to do our best to operate and provide services to families in our community who are in desperate need of our assistance.  We are asking for your help.

We have worked and will continue to work to obtain funding.  This year, in fact, we were awarded $234,000 for the rehabilitation of owner occupied housing in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County, the Hollywood Township area.  This award will assist in the preservation of existing residences in rural communities.  We can spend up to $33,000 per home to correct life threatening and safety issues and eliminate existing or potential code violations.   

 We were also awarded $6,000 through an Emergency Shelter Grant to assist families who are experiencing difficulty meeting utilities, rent and mortgage obligations.  Through these and other grants, the Foundation was able to serve 55 families.  However, there are many more that need our help and the demand far exceeds the available resources. While our resources are limited, so are the resources of the hard working people we serve, many of who have lost their jobs and are facing some of the hardest times in their lives. Our Financial Literacy program works with the community to ensure they make better and more informed financial choices - choices that lead to home ownership.   Each of these 10 sessions cost $25 and a contribution of $250 could help one person through the entire course.  In the past, this program has primarily been funded by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors', Raise the Roof Program - Housing Opportunities Fund.  These and other contributions make it possible to do what we do. 

Please make a contribution to help us help people in our community. Your assistance is vital and can make a world of difference in the lives of Charleston County residents who need our help.  By making a contribution to Lowcountry Housing and Economic Development's capital campaign, you'll be recognized as a donor in upcoming issues of our newsletter. You'll also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your generosity will help make life less stressful for people affected by housing, economic, and safety issues. 

We are counting on your support.  Please make your capital campaign donation by clicking on the link below.  Every donation, no matter what size, is greatly appreciated and will be put to excellent use.  A donation of $10 on a one time, weekly, or monthly basis can make a positive impact on someone else's life.  Giving more can help us do even more.

We look to you and your generosity to assist us in our campaign.  We appreciate your willingness to support our efforts and the Give Me Ten Campaign!  For more information on how you can help, please feel free to contact us at 843-412-0799.

Sincerely,


Evelyn DeLaine Hart                                      Montez C. Martin, Jr.

Board Chair                                                  President

Lowcountry Housing and Economic Development Foundation, Inc.

To Give, Please Click the Link Below:

Lowcountry Housing and Economic Development Foundation, Inc