Housing costs remain a major issue in our region. The increasing cost of rent makes it difficult for many families to afford and maintain housing costs below 30%, which HUD suggests is the maximum percentage families should allocate to housing costs. The truth is that many families cannot afford or maintain rent in our region. Data obtained from the Eviction Lab identifies that over the past year, 18% of renters in the Charleston metro region have faced eviction, but a new program may help those in need.

Gateway to Housing (GTH), is set to launch in the Lowcountry through the nonprofit Neighbors Together. Based in North Charleston, Neighbors Together provides essential services like food, clothing and financial assistance with a mission to empower the community by promoting long-term stability. GTH aims to reduce barriers to housing, such as previous evictions, low income and criminal history, by collaborating with landlords and agencies to prequalify tenants.

Inspired by Nashville’s Low Barrier Housing Collective, Neighbors Together’s Executive Director Suzanne Young recognized the potential in bringing landlords, nonprofits and tenants together to solve housing challenges collaboratively. Young expressed gratitude to the City of Charleston, Charleston County and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce for their partnership, saying, “We believe this collective model will be a game-changer in the local housing ecosystem.” The program is set to launch in November.

Innovation and collaboration go hand in hand, working together. We should encourage more creative approaches to develop new solutions for addressing housing and homelessness. To learn more about Gateway to Housing visit Neighbors Together.