State lawmakers request investigation into proposed sale of 30 homes by Charleston County Housing Authority

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A group of Lowcountry lawmakers are seeking answers from the Charleston County Housing and Redevelopment Authority after the embattled agency reportedly decided to sell 30 houses.

“It seems like the more questions we ask, the more concerned we become,” said state Rep. Mark Smith (R-Berkeley).

Smith said he learned the housing authority was looking to sell off dozens of single-family homes with an Aug. 18 offer deadline and no buyer restrictions after it was reported by the Post and Courier.

The single-story homes, many of which Smith said have been neglected or vacant for several years, range in listing price from $175,000 to $425,000. Together, the sale is valued at roughly $7.75 million.

The houses are listed by Karen Gorham, a realtor who worked for the housing authority for 17 years including four years as CEO.

Smith and four other lawmakers — Reps. Tom Hartnett (R-Charleston), Joe Bustos (R-Charleston), Joe Jefferson (D-Berkeley), and Gary Brewer (R-Charleston) — now want an investigation, saying the proposed sale raises concerns about transparency and impact on the community.

“On multiple levels, it’s concerning that we would be giving up and losing 30 units from our affordable, attainable housing that have actually gone empty as I’m understanding,” Smith said. “Why in the world would we want to eliminate any of that inventory from the books?”

As part of its mission, the housing authority “provides quality affordable housing and assists in improving economic opportunities for low-income citizens of Charleston County.” It currently operates 143 single-family homes and 256 elderly residences, according to its website.

However, lawmakers are questioning whether the authority is committed to that mission and whether the move is merely a short-term financial fix at the expense of long-term needs, especially amid the ongoing housing crisis.

“We all are very aware of the significant housing crisis that we’re in across the country, here in South Carolina, and especially here in the Lowcountry area,” Smith said.

The proposed sale comes at a time when the housing authority has faced criticism over “deplorable” conditions at some of the agency’s facilities, including Joseph Floyd Manor, where reports of bed bugs, roaches, and rodents began surfacing in 2020.

In 2023 — the same year current CEO Angela Childers took over — the authority was designated as “troubled” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It remained under that status as of Aug. 21, according to a HUD spokesperson.

Multiple attempts to reach Childers for comment were unsuccessful. News 2 was waiting to hear back from Gorham.

Smith told News 2 that he spoke with Childers and Commissioner Travis Bedson on Wednesday afternoon and they plan to meet soon.

“We will prioritize that meeting ASAP and look forward to all items of concern being addressed and will respond accordingly afterward,” Smith said. “We are very encouraged by their response.”

The housing authority is separate from the Charleston County Government. The county council does, however, appoint the authority’s board.