About Us

Newberry Housing Authority History

The Newberry Housing Authority (NHA) was officially established at its organizational meeting on October 17, 1968. The founding board consisted of:

John F. Clarkson, Chair
Dr. Julian E. Grant, Vice Chair
Keitt Purcell, Clarence A. Chick, and W.W. Hursey, Commissioners
Clarence Shealy, Mayor of Newberry
K.W. Riebe, City Manager
Annelle Davis, first Executive Director
A cooperation agreement was signed with the City of Newberry, and an application for 250 Public Housing units was submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Key Milestones and Developments

1974: Dedication of 200 Public Housing units named in honor of Dr. Julian E. Grant. The units were made available for occupancy. Residents, including a senior sewing group, actively contributed to the community by making lap robes for nursing homes.
1975: Annelle Davis retired, and Thomas M. Halfacre was appointed Executive Director.
Clara D. Wertz joined the Board of Commissioners on October 15, 1975.
1979-1982: HUD approached NHA regarding the acquisition and rehabilitation of 60 units known as Bethlehem Community Homes. In addition, 55 new units were constructed, completed in 1982 and dedicated to Dr. E. Gordon Able.
1983: Gleams Human Resources of Greenwood was provided office space in the Bethlehem Homes Community Center free of charge.
The Grant Community Center housed a Newberry County Council on Aging satellite office, a Literacy Program, and offered summer youth recreation programs.
1984: Mary Jane Smith became the third Executive Director following Tom Halfacre's retirement.
1985: HUD awarded 50 Section 8 Certificates to NHA. Over time, the program grew to assist 239 families.
1992: NHA entered into a cooperative agreement with Triangle Daycare Center, establishing Triangle Daycare Center #2 in the E. Gordon Able Community Center, prioritizing NHA residents for reduced-rate daycare.
2001: Two new positions were created - Community Service Coordinator and Resident Coordinator.
- NHA hosted events such as:
  - State Spelling Bees
  - Two state Track & Field meets
  - Commodities Distribution with Harvest Hope Food Bank (bi-monthly)
- Success stories included:
  - Residents participating in national football games
  - Alumni playing professional baseball (Cincinnati Reds) and football
  - Former residents earning master's degrees
- A quarter-mile walking track was also constructed for residents.
2003: Dedication of the Clara D. Wertz Activity Center, funded by a Capital Fund Grant. The center offered C.N.A. training, computer classes, and adult literacy programs.
May 20, 2004: Opening of Vincent Place Apartments - 12 one-bedroom units developed by NHA's 501(c)(3), Affordable Housing Community Services, in partnership with the SC Department of Mental Health.

Executive Leadership Timeline

Executive Director

Years of Service

Annelle Davis

1968 - 1975

Thomas M. Halfacre

1975 - 1984

Mary Jane Smith

1984 - 2003

Jan B. Piersol

2004 - 2020

Regina L. Koon

2020 - 2023

Jessica M. Holcomb

2023 - Present

Recent Years

Under Jan B. Piersol (2004-2020), NHA actively engaged with Carolinas Council of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and SERC-NAHRO. The agency also honored former residents with Wall of Fame inductions in 2016 and 2018.
During Regina L. Koon's leadership (2020-2023), NHA was awarded 40 Mainstream Vouchers to support non-elderly persons with disabilities.
Since October 16, 2023, Jessica M. Holcomb has served as Executive Director, continuing NHA's commitment to housing and community development.