Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Janie Robinson recently celebrated her 45th work anniversary with S.C. Regional Housing Authority #3.
Janie Robinson poses in her office at the S.C. Regional Housing Authority #3 in Barnwell, a place she's worked for 45 years.
Janie Robinson, Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program, recently celebrated a tremendous milestone.
Since 1978, 45 years ago, Robinson has been employed by the S.C. Regional Housing Authority #3. Although she currently manages the most popular program within the housing authority, she had humble beginnings as a young employee.
Originally from Allendale County, Robinson attended college at Midlands Tech in Columbia with a plan to become a medical secretary. She moved back to her hometown after graduating and needed employment. Having never heard of the housing authority, Robinson was told by a community resident about their employment opportunity. She took a leap of faith and never looked back.
Her early years of employment consisted of filing papers and making copies. In fact, she didn’t even quite have a position title. However, she began moving up the employment ladder as she proved her dedication to the housing authority. She wore many hats over the years but has learned a lot.
“My story is letting everybody know if you want to do something, you make your mind up [and] you can do it,” said Robinson.
Robert Thomas, executive director of the SC Regional Housing Authority #3, shared, “Janie is a wonderful person and exemplary employee. Our organization often deals with families in crisis and Janie has a kind demeanor and is always trying to be helpful. Having been at our organization for 45 years, Janie is a model of dedication and has a keen knowledge of HUD programs and our history.”
Robinson now proudly holds the title of Director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, one of the largest federal programs that assists low-income families, elderly, disabled and handicapped individuals in finding housing through landlords in the private sector. This program covers nine counties. Robinson made it clear that she could not manage this program if it weren’t for the integrity and character of her department members: Beverly Washington, Doris Willingham, and Marilyn Johnson. “I could not work with a better group of ladies. I call them my Mighty Warriors, because whatever I ask them to do, they do. We work very well together.”
Although there has been an unfortunate increase in mental illness and homelessness since COVID, Robinson encourages those seeking housing to never give up. She has experienced many successful stories of individuals who began to lose hope, but were then able to move into a safe, reliable home. “It makes your heart warm when you move someone from a homeless situation to putting a key in their hand,” she said.
Robinson shared that it doesn’t seem like 45 years of employment have gone by, but amusingly, “I promise you, it won’t be another 45 years.”
Her current hobby is making memories with her grandchildren. Her motivation every day is Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
“That is what I live by,” said Robinson.
