Supportive Housing Program

In 1992, in response to a recognized need, MIRCI began seeking funds to develop safe, decent and affordable housing for its members. Applications were submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build and operate supported apartment communities for persons with serious and persistent mental illness. Grants from HUD, along with matching money from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, were secured to construct four apartment communities. Funding from HUD not only provides for construction and development of the housing communities, but also has tenant-based rental assistance for the residents. Rents are based on the individual resident's income, and do not exceed 30% of monthly income, including utilities.

The first complex was completed in the fall of 1995. The Dena Bank Apartments provide housing to 16 residents in the St. Andrews area of Richland County. Supportive services are provided on-site in cooperation with Columbia Area Mental Health Center.

In the Spring of 1996, the Gault Grove Apartments opened in Cayce, providing another 20 units of housing. In partnership with the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center, supportive services are provided at Gault Grove. The Sandstone Apartments in the Lake Murray area of Lexington County, opened in mid-1998 providing an additional 20 apartments, served in cooperation with the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center. Harmon Hill Apartments, also in the St. Andrews area, opened in early 2003, providing an additional 18 apartments.

The Supportive Housing Program of MIRCI also provides employment opportunities for numerous members of the agency. Not only has MIRCI developed these apartment communities, it has also formed a management division to operate the properties. Housing development continues to be an ongoing pursuit of the agency.

For more information, please call (803) 786.1844 or email us at mail@mirci.org.