Attracting and retaining teachers are vital to the success of any school district, and attracting and retaining residents are equally important to a town’s health and prosperity.
Like most rural towns, rental properties are hard to find in Saluda. Lack of rental property particularly affected young school teachers. If the lack of housing did not discourage them from working in the Saluda district altogether, many had to live in Greenwood or Lexington and commute.
Town officials knew they needed to act but struggled to find a solution. When a downtown property owner expressed interest in converting his building into residential units, officials knew they had found an opportunity to provide affordable housing to teachers.
When the town committed to match funds for the renovation, the property owner agreed to renovate the building into work-force housing for local teachers.
Local leaders helped the property owner apply for a Community Development Block Grant and secured a work-force housing grant from the State Housing Authority. The Upper Savannah Council of Government as well as the Departments of Commerce and Education provided guidance while local citizens and business leaders helped with everything from floor plans to loan advice.
The renovation project resulted in six apartments, each with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen complete with appliances. The first floor of the building houses a gym, restaurants, hair salon and bank, allowing a walkable lifestyle for residents. Most importantly, these apartments are within walking distance from town schools and are affordable. The 700-square foot apartments rent for $500 monthly.
Because of the town’s commitment to education, these apartments will help the local economy, area schools keep their promising teachers and those teachers have a place to call home.