Midlands Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) is a beacon of hope in South Carolina, dedicated to addressing one of the state’s most pressing issues — financing affordable housing, development, and construction. Recognized as a business-to-business lender, MHTF provides essential funding to developers and contractors who are committed to creating and preserving affordable housing inventory throughout South Carolina.

The Mission of Midlands Housing Trust Fund

MHTF is a nonprofit organization with a straightforward mission: facilitate and finance the development of affordable homes for individuals with low- to moderate-income. We believe that every resident in South Carolina deserves a decent, safe, and affordable home. This primary objective drives our daily operations, pushing us to create opportunities for affordable housing development and strengthening communities in the region.

For developers and contractors looking to play a significant role in this mission, Midlands Housing Trust Fund is ready to support you with financing and other resources. You can also learn more about how affordable housing is funded in South Carolina.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Midlands Housing Trust Fund Journey

In the quest to create lasting, impactful change, organizations often face a labyrinth of challenges, and MHTF is no exception. However, these challenges serve as motivators, driving us to devise innovative solutions and approaches to advance our mission. Primary hurdles MHTF takes on to support our mission to bring South Carolina affordable housing developments include limited funding, increased housing prices, policy and regulatory issues, and more.

Limited Funding: A Crucial Barrier

The demand for affordable homes is always growing, making it difficult for organizations like MHTF to gather enough resources and loan capital to keep up with demand. Securing adequate funding is an ongoing struggle, a variable that can make or break the ability to provide loans for affordable housing projects in the amounts needed.

The financial constraints not only limit the production of affordable housing but also affect the pace at which these homes can be provided to those who need them. Yet, MHTF continues to source and provide funding to housing developers — collaborating with other larger Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) as a primary funding source — ensuring every dollar goes toward creating sustainable housing solutions. “Consistent access to loan capital is the catalyst for the Midlands Housing Trust Fund to continue being a primary lending resource for affordable housing developers and contractors,” explains Jeff Larimore, MHTF Executive Director.

Increasing Housing Prices: A Moving Target

Just as the demand for affordable housing surges, South Carolina faces the escalating issue of rising housing prices, a trend common in many parts of the country. This continual increase in housing costs amplifies the complexity of MHTF’s mission, as more and more individuals and families are priced out of the conventional housing market. Yet, even against this challenging backdrop, MHTF remains resolute in bridging the affordability gap, creating pathways for low- to moderate-income individuals to secure decent housing.

Policy and Regulatory Issues: Navigating the Maze

The regulatory landscape for affordable housing is intricate and can often slow down the development process, adding another layer of complexity to supporting affordable housing developers and contractors. Policies at local, state, and national levels can either facilitate or hinder the production and maintenance of affordable housing. By continually advocating for more supportive policies and successfully navigating existing regulations, MHTF ensures that affordable housing remains within reach for South Carolinians despite the regulatory challenges.

Despite these obstacles, MHTF continues to push the boundaries, working tirelessly to overcome these challenges and make affordable housing a reality for more South Carolinians. There are countless reasons why investing in affordable housing is both a socially responsible and financially wise move. Discover the considerable social and financial benefits of investing in affordable housing and learn how you can contribute to this transformative cause.

Empowering Builders: Facilitating Funding to Developers and Contractors

At the forefront of MHTF’s initiatives is the role it plays as a vital financial conduit. Our organization operates primarily as a lender, providing critical financial backing to developers and contractors ready to construct or revitalize affordable homes. By doing so, MHTF empowers these builders, ensuring they have the necessary resources to create housing that aligns with the affordability needs of South Carolina residents. This active facilitation of funding underscores MHTF’s commitment to tackling housing affordability issues.

A Community-Centered Focus: Emphasizing Community Engagement

MHTF believes that meaningful change can only be achieved through active engagement with the community. By working closely with local communities, we can understand and address their unique housing needs. This collaboration allows for the development of effective and impactful housing projects tailored to meet the community’s specific requirements. Through public meetings, feedback sessions, and partnerships with local organizations, MHTF ensures community needs are at the heart of every housing project.

Championing Change: Advocacy for Supportive Policies

Understanding the critical role policy plays in housing affordability, MHTF has made advocacy a significant part of its strategy. Our organization actively pushes for policies that facilitate the creation and maintenance of affordable housing. Through this policy advocacy, MHTF aims to reduce regulatory barriers, promote beneficial legislation, and ensure that affordable housing remains at the forefront of the political discourse.

Developers and contractors eager to contribute to the solution for the affordable housing crisis are welcome to join MHTF in these initiatives. By understanding how you can help, you can become an active participant in developing affordable housing projects that positively impact individuals and families across South Carolina.

Future Prospects for Midlands Housing Trust Fund

MHTF is committed to creating a future where affordable housing is accessible to all South Carolinians. Our organization’s goal is to continually adapt and grow, leveraging future trends in housing to better serve the state’s residents.

By supporting MHTF, you’re not just investing in a development project — you’re investing in the community and changing lives.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of investing in affordable housing? We can help! Midlands Housing Trust Fund (MHTF) is dedicated to improving South Carolina communities by expanding access to quality affordable housing. We provide a variety of loan products to housing developers and contractors for the purpose of creating, rehabilitating, and maintaining affordable housing for households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income. Thanks to flexible lending limits and competitive loan rates, MHTF’s business model presents an attractive alternative to conventional retail banking. Since 2012, we are proud to have provided more than $3 million in affordable housing financing, thereby creating or preserving 512 housing units and improving the lives of over 1,200 individuals. 

Contact us today for more information about how Midlands Housing Trust Fund can serve your community.