Housing Crisis Sparks Community Action in Charleston

Housing Concerns Unite Charleston Community

In the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina, a sense of urgency is mounting as local students and residents gather to discuss pressing issues surrounding housing. Recently, the College of Charleston’s Amnesty International chapter joined forces with the South Carolina Housing Justice Network to shed light on the housing crisis affecting many in the area. Their inaugural meeting took place on a balmy Wednesday evening at the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center, drawing a mix of community members and students eager to share their stories and thoughts.

Connecting through Common Experiences

Attending the event were co-presidents of the College of Charleston’s Amnesty International, Hali Lujan Castro and Karina Kewlani. Castro highlighted how these organizations first connected during the High Water Festival back in April, where they realized there was a widespread dissatisfaction among students and long-term residents regarding their living situations. “Many students and local folks are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in their homes,” Castro noted. This sentiment has created a shared sense of urgency among those facing challenges in their housing.

Meeting the Community’s Concerns

During the meeting, participants voiced various concerns that highlighted the severity of the housing crisis. Issues such as skyrocketing rent prices and inadequate maintenance conditions were recurring themes. Kewlani pointed out that an influx of new students at the College of Charleston has intensified the problem, compelling many to seek off-campus housing that can be “predatory in pricing.” She explained that many landlords are not only raising rent but also falling short on proper maintenance, which leaves tenants in a vulnerable position.

One student shared her predicament of having to relocate to Summerville due to rising rent costs, which leads to a daily commute of approximately three hours—an exhausting routine just to attend classes. Such stories illustrated the real impact of the housing crisis on students’ lives and their academic experiences.

Safety and Comfort Under Threat

Concerns did not stop at rent; attendees also pointed out how high pet fees, unsafe living areas, flooding, and issues like mold compounded their experiences. Community member Dymitri Holmes, who moved to Summerville due to unfavorable living conditions in Charleston, expressed frustration over paying high prices for accommodations that often fall short in quality. “It’s disheartening to pay so much and end up living in subpar conditions,” he said. “People shouldn’t be living with pests and having to worry about basic necessities.”

Housing Justice Advocacy

The meeting also addressed tenants’ rights, with Kenya Cummings, the executive director of the South Carolina Housing Justice Network, sharing that most calls they receive pertain to issues like rental caps and habitability standards. “If you’re paying two thousand dollars a month, you should expect a safe and functional living space,” Cummings emphasized, underscoring the need for community advocacy.

Looking ahead, Cummings called for more people to join the cause, noting specific projects like revitalizing Union Pier as essential opportunities for community input in redevelopment efforts. “It’s vital that we consider not only affordable housing for the present but also sustainable housing for the future,” she insisted.

Next Steps for Activism

Moving forward, Castro and Kewlani hope to hold monthly meetings aimed at building a collective front and establishing a list of demands. They are motivated to engage with local officials to represent the voices and needs of the community accurately. “With a clear agenda, we can approach the city council with more strength and unity as tenants,” Castro stated.

While a date for the next meeting has yet to be set, the organizers encourage anyone interested in joining the conversation to connect with them through social media. They invite all community members to take part in these important discussions, emphasizing that everyone deserves access to fair and safe housing.

Charleston is uniting, and with continued passion and determination, residents aim to bring about noticeable changes in their housing landscape.