In 2025, North Charleston is taking a more coordinated and strategic approach to homelessness by collaborating across the region and adopting proven rapid housing solutions. Here are key actions and policies:
Regional Coordination and Rapid Housing
North Charleston is partnering in the new Lowcountry Rapid Housing Program, a regional initiative aimed at quickly placing individuals and families in private units with secure sleeping, hygiene, and support spaces. This “Housing First” model provides on-site support (mental health, addiction treatment, ID help, job training) to prepare residents for permanent housing. The program is a collaborative effort with Charleston, Summerville, and Mt. Pleasant, and will be accessible by public transport for ease of use among the homeless.
This initiative follows models that saw early success in Columbia—where rapid shelter options combined with wraparound services led dozens of people to find permanent homes and jobs in less than a year.
Emphasis on Permanent Solutions
North Charleston is working with organizations like One80 Place and Bounce Back Inc., which prioritize finding permanent housing for homeless individuals rather than relying only on temporary shelters.
The Housing Authority supports public housing and Housing Choice Voucher participants, while additional measures are being taken to build new affordable units—including a new 70-unit affordable housing and family shelter project set to break ground in Charleston, accessible to North Charleston residents as part of the service network.
Community Services and Outreach
North Charleston’s homeless outreach includes providing essentials (food, toiletries, clothing) to those in motels and on the street, while also focusing on job training and self-sufficiency programs for transitional housing residents.
Efforts are underway to direct more funding to truly low-income and permanent housing solutions, ensuring that even those on a fixed income or with barriers are not left behind.
Resource Access and Prevention
The city supports a full continuum of services from prevention and outreach, to emergency and transitional housing, and finally to supportive, permanent housing.
Grant funding through Charleston County’s Community Services supports nonprofits to address homelessness regionally, and the city’s Affordable Housing Dashboard tracks the supply and progress on new low-income housing.
North Charleston’s approach in 2025 centers on collaboration, rapid and permanent housing solutions, and integrated supportive services, aiming to not just manage—but solve—homelessness in the region.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.charleston-sc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1288)
[2](https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2024/06/28/homelessness-has-a-local-cure-advocates-say/)
[3](https://charlestoncounty.org/departments/community-development/homeless-services.php)
[4](https://www.charleston-sc.gov/233/Housing-Community-Development)
[5](https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/community-development/files/PY24-Draft-CAPER.pdf?238)
