LSN News › India

Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau

Philanthropist's Donation Fuels Affordable Housing Initiative in South Carolina

A $10 million gift from MacKenzie Scott has helped catalyze a $12.8 million project to convert a former motel into 30 affordable rental homes in Columbia, South Carolina. Construction on the initiative, led by nonprofit Homeless No More, is expected to conclude within 12 months.

LSN India · 28 October 2026

Philanthropist's Donation Fuels Affordable Housing Initiative in South Carolina

A former motel in Columbia, South Carolina, is undergoing redevelopment into affordable rental housing as part of a major initiative to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the state. The $12.8 million project, spearheaded by nonprofit organization Homeless No More, aims to create 30 affordable rental units for vulnerable populations.

The development has benefited from philanthropic support, including a $10 million donation made by MacKenzie Scott to United Way of the Midlands in 2020. Scott, a prominent American philanthropist, has directed significant resources toward organizations working on poverty alleviation and homelessness across the United States.

Construction on the housing project commenced on October 13, with developers projecting completion within approximately one year. Once finished, the facility will provide stable housing for 30 families, addressing a critical shortage of affordable accommodation in the Columbia area.

The initiative reflects growing efforts by nonprofit organizations and philanthropic donors to tackle homelessness through permanent housing solutions rather than temporary emergency measures. Such projects have gained momentum across the United States as communities grapple with rising housing costs and population displacement.