A collaborative effort to address the urgent housing crisis in the Charleston region has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of Gateway to Housing. This innovative program, designed to connect property owners and managers with residents at risk of experiencing homelessness, now features a new brand identity, a dedicated website and expanded community training programs.

Neighbors Together serves as the key organization in the Gateway to Housing initiative, playing a critical role in its development and implementation. The success of Gateway to Housing is the result of strong partnerships across the Charleston region. Charleston County made the first investment of $100,000, demonstrating a commitment to tackling the housing crisis. Additionally, the Charleston Metro Chamber’s Regional Housing Coalition played a pivotal role in the program’s early development, facilitating critical discussions with private landlords to encourage participation.

A Low-Barrier Housing Solution

Gateway to Housing operates on a low-barrier housing model, the first of its kind in South Carolina. This approach prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that individuals facing challenges such as past evictions or financial instability have the opportunity to secure housing. By working with landlords and property managers, the program provides access to affordable housing while offering financial incentives, wraparound services for tenants and long-term leasing agreements.

Craig Logan, Executive Housing Fellow at the Charleston Metro Chamber, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “The Gateway to Housing creates an opportunity for private landlords to assist in the housing need in the tri-county area. This program has been wildly successful in other parts of the country, like Nashville, TN and I am excited to support the program as it is getting off the ground. I know many families who deal with past evictions and other barriers that prevent them from obtaining housing in our region. This program will be a game changer in filling a need in the homelessness space in our area.”

With strong community backing and Neighbors Together at the helm, Gateway to Housing is poised to make a lasting impact on the Charleston-metro area’s housing landscape.

If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber’s Regional Housing Coalition and how you can be a part of tackling our region’s attainable housing challenges, please email Craig at clogan@charlestonchamber.org.

To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit gatewaytohousingchs.org.