Charleston, South Carolina – The City of Charleston is considering granting $1.5 million to $1.9 million in funds for the Star Gospel Mission to construct new affordable housing units.
Geona Johnson, the City of Charleston’s director of housing and community development, stated that the financing would establish 22 units with 97 beds, allowing families to stay together in one apartment.
“There are simply not enough beds or spaces to ensure that our unhoused neighbors are properly cared for,” said Rev. Dr. Marion Platt, executive director of Star Gospel Mission.
Platt stated that the cash would hasten Star Gospel’s present expansion, allowing the group to provide refuge choices for the most vulnerable populations.
“This would speed up the expansion we are currently conducting. So that means we’d be able to give sheltering choices, particularly for the most vulnerable groups, women and children, right away,” Platt explained.
The housing would be forever affordable, if only temporarily for Platt.
“By the fact that Star Gospel Mission would receive these funds, it wouldn’t be temporary affordable housing; this would be affordable in perpetuity,” argued Platt.
According to city authorities, the initiative will alleviate Charleston’s affordable housing shortage.
“So this essentially provides the opportunity for increased housing for a section of our people within the City of Charleston who need housing the most,” according to Johnson.
If granted, the housing would begin with the most vulnerable individuals. According to Platt, Star Gospel Mission plans to create two to three additional living areas for women and children, as well as a four-story structure to house males who are homeless or addicted to drugs.
According to city authorities, Star Gospel aim supports the city’s aim of providing affordable housing to those in need in the neighborhood.
If permitted, the proposal would become part of the Courier Square Phase 2 project.
