Housing
Housing is a basic human need - and a foundation for economic stability, health, and opportunity. When families have safe, affordable places to live, communities thrive. When housing becomes unstable or out of reach, everything else becomes harder: work, school, childcare, transportation, and long-term planning. A strong housing policy is essential to a strong South Carolina.
What I'll Fight For
- Safe, stable, and affordable housing options for every South Carolinian
- Housing that is affordable within existing communities, not isolated “affordable housing projects”
- Expanded access to homeownership for working families
- Protections for renters against predatory practices and unjust evictions
- Investment in housing that supports mixed-income, integrated neighborhoods
- Support for local governments to address homelessness with dignity and long-term solutions
- Policies that prevent displacement and keep communities intact
Why this Matters in South Carolina
South Carolina is facing a housing crisis that affects families in every corner of the state. Rents and home prices have risen faster than wages. Many families spend more than a third - sometimes more than half - of their income on housing. Seniors on fixed incomes are being priced out of their homes. Young families can’t afford to buy. Renters face few protections, and evictions are among the highest in the country.
And too often, the state’s response has been to cluster “affordable housing” into isolated pockets - a practice that reinforces segregation, concentrates poverty, and makes communities easier to politically target or gerrymander. I believe housing that is affordable must be integrated, not segregated.
Rural communities struggle with aging housing stock and limited new development. Urban and suburban areas face displacement, rising costs, and long waitlists for assistance. Homelessness is rising, especially among veterans, youth, and families with children.
Housing stability is essential for economic growth, educational success, and community well-being. South Carolina needs a comprehensive approach that meets the needs of renters, homeowners, and those experiencing homelessness - without repeating the mistakes of the past.
Key Policies and Priorities
Building Housing That Is Affordable - Not “Affordable Housing”
I support housing that is affordable within existing neighborhoods, not isolated developments that concentrate poverty or make communities vulnerable to political manipulation. This means:
- Mixed-income housing
- Integrated development
- Incentives for builders to include affordable units in standard projects
- Community-driven planning that keeps neighborhoods whole
Housing should strengthen communities, not divide them.
Strengthening Protections for Renters
Renters deserve stability and fairness. I support policies that prevent predatory rent hikes, require transparent leases, and protect tenants from unjust evictions. Stable housing helps families build roots and strengthens communities.
Supporting First-Time Homebuyers
Homeownership is a pathway to generational wealth. I support down-payment assistance, low-interest loan programs, and financial-literacy initiatives that help working families buy their first home. Every family deserves the chance to build equity and stability.
Addressing Homelessness with Dignity
Homelessness is not a moral failing - it’s a policy failure. I support evidence-based approaches that combine housing with mental-health services, addiction treatment, job training, and long-term support. No one should be left behind or criminalized for experiencing homelessness.
Preserving Existing Housing
South Carolina’s aging housing stock - especially in rural areas - needs investment. I support programs that help homeowners repair and maintain their homes, prevent displacement, and keep communities intact.
Ensuring Fair Housing & Preventing Discrimination
Every South Carolinian deserves equal access to housing. I support strong enforcement of fair-housing laws and policies that prevent discrimination based on race, gender, disability, family status, or income source.
Housing is the foundation of a strong community. I’m committed to ensuring every South Carolinian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing within their own communities - because when families have a place to call home, our entire state grows stronger.