2023-2024 Changemaker Grants
Q4: Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention in 29405 and 29406
The fourth round of Changemaker Grants is using Data for Impact to focus on Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention in 29405 and 29406 zip codes. Current data shows these zip codes in North Charleston are areas with the greatest needs in the Tri-County, and in recent years North Charleston has led the nation in eviction rate. This grant pool of funding will focus on making a positive impact in the Tri-County community by supporting up to 2 local nonprofits with a minimum of $50,000 each.
Grants will allow organizations to keep individuals and families stably housed. Specific goals include:
- Expand the access of legal services to tenants at risk of, or subject to, eviction. Most tenants do not have access to legal assistance or understand their renter’s rights which may help them reach more mutually beneficial resolutions with landlords or defend against illegal evictions.
- Provide short-term financial assistance that allows a household to maintain their housing during a difficult period and re-gain financial stability moving forward.
- Assistance could include back rent or mortgage owed, utility assistance, as well as court fees and late payment fees, where applicable. (up to $5,000 per household)
- Must have the ability to maintain their housing costs for a minimum of 6 months once assisted.
- Provide case management and financial counseling to sustain a stable, permanent home and would include follow up for a year.
Services Provided with these funds:
- Households must live in 29405 or 29406 Zip Code
- Households must be facing immediate eviction and foreclosure risk
- Court fees, late fees, etc.
- Short-Term Financial Assistance: emergency rental or mortgage assistance, security deposit, utility payment, etc. necessary to prevent eviction and foreclosure to those experiencing circumstantial hardships that are making it difficult to pay their bills, but who have the ability to become financially stable with this support for at least 6 months
Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention in 29405 and 29406 Grant Recipients
The Charleston Area Urban League promotes diversity and inclusion and provides multifaceted programs that assist African Americans and other underserved groups to achieve economic and social parity and equal treatment under the law. For over 32 years the agency has been providing an array of programs and services to residents in the Tri-County region that include Fair Housing, Housing Counseling, First Time Homebuyer Education, Financial Literacy, Asset Building, Family Stability and Employment.
Origin SC empowers individuals to achieve financial, housing and mental health stability through advocacy, counseling and education. For over 135 years, Origin (formerly Family Services, Inc.) has provided services to help individuals and families gain and sustain financial and housing stability.