North Charleston is moving forward with a plan to donate city-owned vacant lots to nonprofit organizations as part of an effort to increase affordable homeownership opportunities.
City officials identified 10 unused residential lots in August 2025 that were no longer needed for municipal purposes.
Rather than selling the properties, the city decided to partner with nonprofits and small developers to build affordable homes without requiring them to purchase the land.
Nonprofits Selected for First Round of Projects
Local nonprofit Bridge North Charleston is expected to receive two lots located in the Accabee and Union Heights neighborhoods.
Charleston Habitat for Humanity will also receive two lots in Accabee.
The city’s Finance Committee gave initial approval to the plan during a May 21 meeting, although the proposal must still pass two additional City Council readings before becoming final.
City Wants More Small Developers Involved
Officials said the affordable housing initiative was designed to encourage smaller development groups and nonprofits to participate in community housing projects.
However, city documents noted that many earlier applicants lacked sufficient financial resources or long-term development plans.
To improve future participation, several city departments are now working together to provide training and guidance for organizations interested in applying for the remaining lots.
The six undeveloped lots that were not awarded during the first round will be advertised again in August.
Bridge North Charleston Plans Homes in Low-$200,000 Range
Bridge North Charleston said it plans to begin construction quickly on new single-family homes.
Board member Will Jenkinson said the nonprofit received nearly $500,000 through Charleston County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding to support construction.
The organization plans to build four homes in total, including two on city-donated property.
The homes are expected to be priced in the low-$200,000 range for residents earning about 80 percent of the area median income.
Officials noted that the median home sales price in North Charleston is currently around $355,000.
Bridge North Charleston may also offer down payment assistance programs to qualifying buyers.
Habitat for Humanity Targeting First-Time Buyers
Charleston Habitat for Humanity plans to build two single-family homes for first-time homebuyers in the Accabee neighborhood.
The nonprofit said the homes will primarily serve residents earning between 35 and 60 percent of the area median income, while veterans earning up to 80 percent of the median income may also qualify.
According to the organization, Habitat for Humanity has built 20 homes across North Charleston over the past decade.
Both nonprofits must complete construction within three years or ownership of the land will return to the city.
Additional Affordable Housing Projects Underway
Affordable housing efforts are also continuing through other community partnerships.
Metanoia recently broke ground on seven additional affordable homes in the Accabee neighborhood.
The project was developed alongside local community leaders and supported through financing provided by Abundance Capital.
Metanoia CEO Bill Stanfield said the goal is to help longtime residents remain part of the neighborhood’s future while expanding opportunities for stable homeownership.
