Richland County Community Development was presented with a national award for its continued efforts to improve local communities with several projects and initiatives. 

The John A. Sasso Award – named after the founder of the National Community Development Association – was presented to Richland County Community Development during a national conference held in Arlington, Texas. This is the third time Richland County has been honored with the award, which recognizes organizations that make great efforts to promote and celebrate community development grants and partnerships during National Community Development Week.

During this year’s National Community Development Week (April 5-11), Richland County Community Development spotlighted some of its past successes by placing signs in front of 10 of its completed projects, including newly-built affordable housing structures. Additionally, a public press conference was held that celebrated the grand-opening of a duplex in the Ridgewood community that is now available to two income-qualifying families. The duplex was a joint venture of Richland County Community Development, the Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Ridgewood community members.

“Community Development Week allows us nationwide to celebrate the great things we can do with Community Development Block Grants and HOME funds within our individual communities,” said Valeria Jackson, director of Richland County Community Development.

To round out National Community Development Week, Richland County Community Development also sponsored a countywide employee donation and gave the collection of items to Sistercare Women’s Shelter, which assists victims of domestic violence and their children in need of temporary homes.

To learn more about the opportunities and information available through Richland County Community Development – including homeowner assistance, financial empowerment and neighborhood revitalization – visit www.rcgov.us or call 803-576-2230.