By Savannah Wilburn, Program Analyst

The Rock Hill Housing Authority (RHHA) is one of nine housing authorities across the country that received funding to conduct radon testing and if needed, radon mitigation. On Jun. 30, Kristine Foye, Columbia Field Office Director, visited the RHHA to present a $600,000 ceremonial check to celebrate the new funding.

While there, RHHA provided a tour of the office and various RHHA properties. Executive Director Dewayne Alford also provided insight on how RHHA is utilizing the various HUD grants they have received.

The first stop was the RHHA office, where FOD Kristine Foye presented the grant check for radon testing and mitigation. This funding will be used to test and mitigate 337 ground units and will impact 472 housing residents within the housing authority.

"There still remains much to discover about radon," said Dewayne. "Today's funding will provide the authority the opportunity to secure the technical expertise necessary to develop and execute a radon testing plan. The funding will allow us to educate our public housing community and the community at large about radon and its effects. And finally, this funding provides the housing authority with another tool to ensure our customers are living in homes that are decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair. We do want to thank Secretary Fudge, and her staff who were instrumental in reviewing our application and selecting the Rock Hill Housing Authority for this grant opportunity."

The second stop on the tour was at RHHA's Jobs Plus Center. In 2021, RHHA was awarded $2.3 million under the HUD Jobs Plus program to support work readiness and connect public housing residents with employment, education, and financial empowerment services. RHHA used this funding to open a Jobs Plus center within one of their properties that is equipped with a computer lab. RHHA partners with other organizations such as Winthrop University, Clinton College, SC Works, South State Bank, York County First Steps, and many others to offer classes and additional resources that assist in reaching gainful employment.

Lastly, the tour concluded with visiting some of RHHA's future projects and current properties within the downtown and suburb areas of Rock Hill.

"Having the opportunity to see first-hand the great work that the Rock Hill Housing Authority is doing under the leadership of Dewayne Alford provided a great understanding of the services provided to residents, not only to meet day-to-day needs, but also to help move residents toward self-sufficiency," said Kristine. "Getting to see the Jobs Plus Center, and how the housing authority works with partners to overcome food shortages, daycare challenges, and barriers to employment was an insightful experience. I'm thankful for all that they do to support HUD's mission."

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