SPARTANBURG, SC – The Spartanburg Housing Authority (SHA) is celebrating 80 years of providing affordable housing assistance to area residents with an anniversary event to be held in October.

Prior to the Housing Authority’s inception in the late 1930s, the City of Spartanburg was in the midst of rebounding from a Depression-era economy. City leaders met to discuss ways to improve concentrated areas within the City where poverty-stricken residents were living. The group developed a workable strategy to provide decent housing for thousands of low-income residents who were living in sub-standard conditions.

A plan was formulated to establish the Spartanburg Housing Authority. On October 2, 1939, members of the newly formed Housing Authority of Spartanburg and the Spartanburg City Council agreed to commit $800,000 ($14,707,798.56 value in 2019 dollars) for the creation of affordable housing in the area.

On September 10, 1940, the Housing Authority broke ground for Tobe Hartwell Courts, the first public housing units in Spartanburg.

The establishment of the Spartanburg Housing Authority paved the way for securing low-cost federal housing, which significantly improved conditions for many Spartanburg residents living in extreme poverty.

Since its establishment 80 years ago, SHA has continually worked toward its mission to develop and provide affordable, quality housing options, and programs that promote self-sufficiency for area residents.

On October 10, 2019, SHA’s 80-year commitment to the City of Spartanburg and its residents will be celebrated during a special anniversary event. The 80th anniversary celebration will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts on the campus of Wofford College.

The event will showcase SHA’s positive impact on the Spartanburg community, from its founding in 1939 to its present-day achievements.

The celebration will begin with a reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Exhibits illustrating significant accomplishments from SHA’s 80-year history will be on display.

The reception hour will be followed by the anniversary program with special messages from local dignitaries, members of the SHA Board of Commissioners and special guests. A special keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.

“We look forward to celebrating this historic milestone with the Spartanburg community. As we prepare for this event, we’re reminded of the great strides taken over the last 80 years with our first development housing 150 families to presently housing over 3,592 families across Spartanburg County." stated Interim Chief Executive Officer, Reginal B. Barner, Sr.

RSVP for SHA’s 80th Anniversary Celebration by phoning 864-598-6023 or emailing info@shasc.org. Additional information is available at https://www.shasc.org/80th.

The Housing Authority of the City of Spartanburg has provided housing assistance for people with low and moderate incomes, since 1939. SHA provides housing assistance for families, elderly, veterans and disabled individuals through a variety of programs including Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. For more information on housing assistance, contact the Spartanburg Housing Authority at 2271 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or phone 864-598-6000. SHA offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit online at SHASC.org.

For more information, contact:
Jessica Holcomb, Deputy Director of Asset Management and Special Projects
Spartanburg Housing Authority
864-598-6023

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