The Impact of Affordable Housing on South Carolina’s Economy: How Developers and Contractors Can Collaborate with MHTF to Promote Growth
Affordable housing isn’t just a social imperative — it’s an economic powerhouse. In South Carolina, the ripple effects of affordable housing initiatives have been felt across various sectors, from job creation to community revitalization. For developers and contractors, the potential for growth is immense, especially when
How to Apply for a Loan With MHTF: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a developer or contractor in South Carolina looking to make a significant impact in the affordable housing sector, partnering with Midlands Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) can provide you with the financial leverage you need. This article serves as a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for a business loan with MHTF.
What Is Midlands Housing Trust Fund?
As developers and contractors navigate the complexities of affordable housing development, it's essential to recognize the robust framework and financial support provided by nonprofits in this sector. With a particular focus on South Carolina, we explore the dynamic role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and the impactful outcomes of community development loans and investments.
The Strengths of Nonprofits in Affordable Housing
As developers and contractors navigate the complexities of affordable housing development, it's essential to recognize the robust framework and financial support provided by nonprofits in this sector. With a particular focus on South Carolina, we explore the dynamic role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and the impactful outcomes of community development loans and investments.
The Future of Affordable Housing: Trends to Watch in SC
South Carolina is experiencing a period of profound change in its affordable housing sector, shaped by a series of key trends that are set to transform the state's housing landscape. As an experienced nonprofit organization at the heart of this industry, Midlands Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) is here to guide you through these significant developments.
How South Carolina Developers Can Help Combat the Affordable Housing Crisis
The affordable housing crisis has become an increasingly urgent issue throughout the United States, including in South Carolina. A lack of affordable housing options impacts low- and middle-income households, leading to a range of social and economic challenges.
South Carolina Banking: Why Invest in Affordable Housing?
When investors are looking for a hot deal, affordable housing isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind—but this tendency to overlook the low-income housing market might be a mistake. For banks in particular, investing in affordable housing comes with a number of benefits in addition to the income it generates.
Who Needs Affordable Housing the Most
Affordable housing is a national issue that affects everyone, whether directly or indirectly. As we've discussed previously, entire communities can benefit from the availability of more affordable housing.
Why Affordable Housing Helps the Whole Community
One of the most common misconceptions about affordable housing is that it only benefits certain people—namely, property developers or low-income residents. Often, people believe that one or both of these groups are profiting, leaving both taxpayers and local communities worse off.
The Benefits of Affordable Housing
The cost of housing has become a contentious topic in recent years, to say the least. Thanks to economic events like the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, renters and home buyers alike have seen the cost of housing rise dramatically as the supply of homes and rental units has plummeted.
The Connection Between Affordable Housing and Economic Development
The economy has been something of a hot topic lately. Between the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent rises in inflation, the subject of how to spur lasting economic growth has been top of mind for many people.

Conversations about the economy typically revolve around things like jobs, interest rates, and consumer behavior. However, one factor that is often omitted from discussions about economic development is housing—specifically, affordable housing. As it turns out, the role of affordable housing in creating jobs and stimulating economic development is significant. Here, we'll dive into how that relationship works, and why investing in housing is an important part of boosting the overall economy.
Affordable Housing and Economic Development:
“The largest study of the LIHTC program to date was published by Stanford researchers Rebecca Diamond and Timothy James McQuade in 2015, drawing on information related to 7,100 development projects in 15 states.  In addition to confirming previous work showing that LIHTC projects shore up property values in distressed neighborhoods, the authors also found that LIHTC promotes economic diversity by attracting higher-income home buyers to disadvantaged areas.” 
Affordable Housing and Student Achievement:
“Educators know that student achievement is maximized when students can go home to stable, affordable housing.”
The Effect of Affordable Housing on Property Values:
“Despite public perceptions of affordable housing negatively impacting nearby property values, there is evidence to suggest that the impact is minimal, if at all.”
 
“Don’t Put It Here!”
It’s a common scene at a community hearing: local residents lined up behind the microphone waiting to testify about a proposed affordable rental housing development.Some are voicing concerns that the development will decrease property values in their neighborhood. Their concerns are understandable – they want to protect their investment in their homes. On the other side, housing advocates and prospective residents argue with equal passion. They want to live in affordable homes with access to jobs, schools, and other amenities for themselves and their children.
Family Homelessness, Adult Homelessness and the Need for Affordable Housing:
“Nearly half of all renters can’t afford rent, and over half a million Americans are homeless on any given night.”
The need for Affordable Housing Among Veterans:
 “One of the biggest barriers in ending veterans’ homelessness is the most obvious: Finding someplace for them to live.”