Neighborhood Assistance

Community Liaisons

Staff is provided to promote communication and mutual understanding between neighborhood organizations and the City of Columbia. Special emphasis is placed upon neighborhoods without existing or recently organized organizations. The Community Liaisons can provide assistance determining what neighborhood you may reside in and the schedule of that organization's meetings. The Community Liaison work closely with and provide technical assistance to the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods.

Council District I & District III

Charmaine Clark

Phone (803) 545-3403

Email: cdclark@columbiasc.net

Council District II & District IV

Jeff Rainwater

Phone (803) 545-3383

Email: jlrainwater@columbiasc.net

For more information on the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods visit www.columbianeighborhoods.org

Individual Development Account Program (IDA)

The Community Development Department introduced the Individual Development Account Program (IDA) to encourage residents to utilize the savings grant program to purchase a home. Individual Development Accounts are savings accounts that can be used only for purchasing a first home, capitalizing a small business, or for educational or job training expenses. Accounts are held at a local financial institution (BB&T).  Contributions by lower income participants are matched using both private and public sources. All participants receive economic literacy training that includes workshops for cleaning up one’s credit, setting up a budgeting and savings schedule, and other basics of money management.

For more information on the IDA program contact the Community Development Department at (803) 545-3373.

IDA Program Informational Flyer (Word)