Columbia Housing Authority
Columbia Housing Authority is an independent public corporation founded in 1934 and the largest affordable housing provider in South Carolina, operating a $50 million budget across 20+ communities to serve low-income families, seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals in Richland and Lexington Counties.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1934
- HeadquartersColumbia, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Columbia Housing Authority does
Columbia Housing Authority (legal name: Housing Authority of the City of Columbia) is an independent public corporation established in 1934 and the largest single provider of affordable housing in South Carolina, operating with a $50 million annual budget and serving more than 16,000 individuals across over 20 housing communities in Richland County and the City of Cayce in Lexington County. The organization's core offerings include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV/Section 8) program, the Public Housing Program, the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) portfolio, and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), supplemented by Family Self-Sufficiency, ROSS, Senior, Youth, and Homeless programs delivered through in-house departments and community partners.
The authority operates without proprietary technology and depends on third-party platforms for its core workflows: waitlistcheck.com for lottery-based housing applications, HMS for Web for landlord/agent portal functions, portal.rentpayment.com for tenant rent collection, and Microsoft 365 for staff communications. An affiliate real estate development arm, CHAD, alongside SCAHI (South Carolina Affordable Housing Initiative), channels Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and public-private partnership projects such as the 285-unit Oaks at St. Anna's Park and the Haven at Palmer Pointe senior community.
Revenue and funding mechanics are fundamentally government-anchored: HUD appropriations support public housing operations, HCV administration, and RAD conversions; rental income from roughly 6,500+ low-income households is set at approximately 30% of adjusted monthly income; and supplementary grants arrive from private institutions (e.g., $20,000 from Truist Bank in 2025, $109,532 HUD FSS grant in 2023). Distribution is direct-to-consumer via a sole headquarters application site, online lottery portal, and partner-agency referrals, with the seven-member Board of Commissioners (Chair James Chatfield, Vice Chair Kevin Werner in 2025) providing governance appointed by the Mayor of the City of Columbia. Following a CEO transition in February 2025, Barry Hall served as Interim CEO until Jessica Anderson Preston was appointed effective November 24, 2025.
Columbia Housing Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Columbia Housing Authority
- Legal name
- Housing Authority of the City of Columbia
- Website
- https://columbiahousingsc.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1934
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Columbia Housing Authority is an independent public corporation founded in 1934 and the largest affordable housing provider in South Carolina, operating a $50 million budget across 20+ communities to serve low-income families, seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals in Richland and Lexington Counties.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Columbia Housing Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Housing Services
- NAICS
- Administration of Housing Programs (925110)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Affordable & Public Housing Asset Management (BPAJAMAI)
Keywords
Where Columbia Housing Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Columbia Housing Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- HUD Federal Funding: Columbia Housing receives primary funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This federal funding supports public housing operations, Housing Choice Voucher programs, and various development initiatives.
- Grants and Donations: Columbia Housing receives grant funding from private organizations and financial institutions for specific programs and initiatives. Example: $20,000 grant from Truist Bank for the Reading While Feeding Initiative.
- Rental Income: Revenue generated from affordable rental units managed by the housing authority, with rents typically set based on tenant income levels.
- Development Partnerships: Revenue and investment through affiliate entities CHAD (Columbia Housing Authority Development) and SCAHI (South Carolina Affordable Housing Initiative, Inc.) which develop new affordable housing through Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs and public-private partnerships.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Income-based affordable housing with rents calculated as a percentage of tenant income |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Columbia Housing Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Columbia Housing Authority is an independent public corporation that provides affordable rental housing to citizens of the City of Columbia and surrounding Richland and Lexington Counties in South Carolina. Its core offerings include managing public housing units, administering Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance, operating RAD-converted properties, providing senior housing communities, and delivering the VASH program for homeless veterans. It also operates housing development affiliates CHAD and SCAHI that build new affordable units using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
Product overview
Columbia Housing Authority operates as the largest affordable housing provider in South Carolina, managing a portfolio of housing programs and residential communities. The core offerings include the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 Program providing federal rental assistance, the Public Housing Program with direct unit management, and RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) Resources for property conversions. Supporting services include HCV Homeownership, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), ROSS Program, Senior Programs, Youth Programs (including Summer Youth Employment and Childcare Assistance), and Homeless Programs. The agency manages multiple housing communities including Haven at Palmer Pointe (senior), Oaks at St. Anna's Park (mixed-income), Christopher Towers, Oak Read High Rise, Arrington Manor, Lewis Scott Court, Lorick Place Apartments, Harbor Cove Homes, Schoolhouse Road Apartments, Hammond Village, and Village at River's Edge. Additionally, Columbia Housing manages Cayce Housing and oversees affiliate entities CHAD (Columbia Housing Authority Development) and SCAHI (South Carolina Affordable Housing Initiative). The organization also provides utility allowance services for HCV, Public Housing, and RAD participants. Founded in 1934, the authority serves Richland County and Lexington County (Cayce) communities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 Program
Companies that use Columbia Housing Authority
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Columbia Housing Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Columbia Housing Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, important and minor.
- The Cooperative MinistrycoreThe Cooperative Ministry provides free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the Cecil Tillis Center. IRS-certified volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for Columbia Housing residents.
- First Citizens BankcoreFirst Citizens Bank partners with Columbia Housing to present Financial Education Workshops for residents, covering topics including types of loans, accounts, savings importance, credit importance, and mortgage programs. The workshop held at Resident & Family Services Building helps residents build financial literacy and pathways to homeownership.
- Ward Mungo ConstructioncoreWard Mungo Construction is a key development partner for the Oaks at St. Anna's Park project, the redevelopment of the former Gonzales Gardens public housing site. The 285-unit mixed-income community was developed under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
- Davis ArchitecturecoreDavis Architecture participated in the Urban Land Institute South Carolina Midlands Project Spotlight panel discussion for the Oaks at St. Anna's Park development, serving as architectural partner for the mixed-income community project.
- Midlands Technical CollegecoreMidlands Technical College partners with Columbia Housing to provide QuickJobs information sessions and admissions workshops for residents. Programs include training certificates in healthcare, trades, technology, and other fields, with scholarship opportunities available.
- Prisma HealthimportantPrisma Health partners with Columbia Housing for health events including the annual Health & Resource Fair, Walk for Life (breast cancer awareness), and sponsors Fall Festival events. They provide mobile mammography services and health resources for residents.
- DHEC (SC Department of Health and Environmental Control)importantDHEC partners with Columbia Housing for health fairs and wellness events, providing flu vaccines and health resources. They participate in the annual Fall Festival and health screening events for residents.
- Absolute Total CareminorAbsolute Total Care sponsors Columbia Housing community events including the annual Fall Festival, providing healthcare resources and wellness information to residents.
- BrinshorecoreBrinshore is the development partner for the Haven at Palmer Pointe senior housing development located at 1135 Carter Street. This public-private partnership involves new construction of senior affordable housing units, with ground-breaking ceremony held in December 2022 and expected completion in 2024.
- City of ColumbiacoreThe City of Columbia works with Columbia Housing on various initiatives including land donations (such as for T.S. Martin community) and collaborative community development projects. Columbia Housing is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor.
- Richland CountycoreColumbia Housing serves residents throughout Richland County, managing public housing units and providing affordable housing options across the county. Cayce Housing (managed by Columbia Housing) also serves Lexington County residents.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights10 records
Columbia Housing Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit that finances and develops affordable housing, including LIHTC syndications. Comparable in mission (affordable housing delivery) and a frequent co-developer with public housing authorities.
- WinnCompanies: National property management firm that manages affordable housing for public housing authorities and private owners. Comparable as the third-party property management counterpart to Columbia Housing's internal property management operations.
- Mercy Housing: Nonprofit affordable housing provider operating affordable rental communities nationwide with wraparound resident services. Closely aligned with Columbia Housing's resident-services-driven operating model.
Broad incumbents
- Related Companies: National private developer/operator with the largest affordable housing portfolio in the U.S. Provides a private-sector analog to CHAD/SCAHI for LIHTC-financed new construction and mixed-income communities.
- Philadelphia Housing Authority: One of the largest housing authorities in the U.S., serving as a benchmark for scaled HCV and public housing operations, RAD program execution, and large mixed-finance redevelopment pipelines.
Regional players
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Authority (INLIVIAN): Regional housing authority serving the Charlotte, NC metro with significantly larger unit count and a mixed-income redevelopment model (similar to Oaks at St. Anna's Park). Comparable in operating model and LIHTC-driven development strategy.
- Atlanta Housing Authority: Major Southeast housing authority with national profile for mixed-income redevelopment (e.g., Centennial Place). Useful benchmark for scaling RAD conversions and mixed-finance developments.
Direct peers
- Greenville Housing Authority: South Carolina housing authority administering public housing and Section 8 vouchers in the Upstate region. Operates under the same HUD regulatory framework with similar LIHTC-financed development activity.
- Spartanburg Housing Authority: SC Upstate housing authority providing public housing, HCV, and affordable housing development. Directly comparable in mission, funding mix, and resident services scope.
- Charleston County Housing & Redevelopment Corporation: Public housing authority serving the Charleston, SC region with comparable HCV, public housing, and resident services programs. Closest in-state peer given similar size and HUD funding structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Columbia Housing Authority social profiles
Digital presenceColumbia Housing Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Columbia Housing Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Columbia Housing Authority subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Columbia Housing Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Columbia Housing Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Columbia Housing Authority
What does Columbia Housing Authority do?
Columbia Housing Authority is an independent public corporation that provides affordable rental housing to citizens of the City of Columbia and surrounding Richland and Lexington Counties in South Carolina. Its core offerings include managing public housing units, administering Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance, operating RAD-converted properties, providing senior housing communities, and delivering the VASH program for homeless veterans. It also operates housing development affiliates CHAD and SCAHI that build new affordable units using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
Is Columbia Housing Authority a public or private company?
Columbia Housing Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Columbia Housing Authority founded?
Columbia Housing Authority was founded in 1934. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Columbia Housing Authority based?
Columbia Housing Authority is headquartered in Columbia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Columbia Housing Authority make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. HUD Federal Funding is the primary driver. The others are grants and Donations, rental Income and development Partnerships.
Who are Columbia Housing Authority's main competitors?
Others on record are Enterprise Community Partners, WinnCompanies and Mercy Housing. Broad incumbents are Related Companies and Philadelphia Housing Authority. Regional players are Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Authority (INLIVIAN) and Atlanta Housing Authority. Direct peers are Greenville Housing Authority, Spartanburg Housing Authority and Charleston County Housing & Redevelopment Corporation.
Does Columbia Housing Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for Columbia Housing Authority.
What industry is Columbia Housing Authority in?
Columbia Housing Authority's product category is Affordable Housing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIANAA, Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing), with a secondary code of BPAJAFAD, Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8). Its NAICS code is 925110 and its SIC code is 6513.