Local non-profit holds ribbon-cutting for affordable homes near downtown Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Organizations in the Lowcountry are working with governments and businesses to combat the shortage of affordable housing.

On Tuesday, the community and leaders from a local non-profit organization held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate opening four new affordable units near downtown Charleston.

P.A.S.T.O.R.S INC. is a faith-based non-profit organization that has provided affordable housing throughout the tri-county and the state for almost 25 years.

“The housing crisis is such a strong demand for units, and if the churches and the faith base organizations can play a small role to help reduce that count and help ease that burden a little bit, and so it helps serve the constituents that are both in the congregation and also made more people aware of what the church and congregation are doing,” said F.A. Johnson, The director and developer for P.A.S.T.O.R.S INC.

The two-story apartments feature stainless steel appliances, full-size washers and dryers, and a balcony.

“We want to ensure that working folks who can live close to where they work don’t have to commute for thirty minutes and quit. Frankly, that increases the urban expenses of gas and car maintenance, so I think having the ability for people to move close to where they work is so important. We are doing that work to make it happen,” said Johnson.

The city of Charleston said 16,351 units must be built by the end of the decade according to their comprehensive plan, and they’re grateful to partner organizations like P.A.S.T.O.R.S INC. for helping make progress towards that goal.

“Affordable housing, both in for sale and rental market, is great in our community, and so these efforts that were undertaken and partnerships with organizations across our community are helping us to meet the need that exists across the board,” said Geona Shaw Johnson, The city of Charleston Director of Housing and Community development.

Organizers from pastors incorporated told News 2 they have several housing projects underway and expect to announce developments in the coming months.