Charleston SC, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Tammy Jenkins, a senior mobile home owner in Charleston, faces the threat of homelessness due to rising repair costs and inadequate income. Despite seeking help from various agencies, her living conditions are deteriorating. Jenkins’s plight represents a broader housing crisis in Charleston, where growing demand for affordable housing persists amid a closed waiting list for assistance. Local officials aim to address the issue with new developments and a goal of 15,000 more affordable units by 2030.
Charleston Faces Housing Crisis as Senior Mobile Home Owner Struggles
Charleston, S.C. – Senior mobile home owner Tammy Jenkins faces the looming threat of homelessness due to inadequate income and increasing repair costs associated with her home. Jenkins, who receives $967 monthly from Social Security, is left with approximately $400 for other expenses after paying rent, a situation that leaves her financially strained.
For the past two years, Jenkins has sought assistance from various agencies, including the Trident Area Agency on Aging, requesting help to repair her deteriorating mobile home. However, the agency provided minimal aid, managing to replace only two pieces of board, while serious issues such as moldy wood paneling and a sagging kitchen floor remain unresolved. In her quest for support, Jenkins has reached out to two additional agencies, only to be met with closed applications or lack of funds, underscoring the persistent challenge of securing help for seniors in need.
Living Conditions Deteriorate
The living conditions in Jenkins’s mobile home have worsened significantly. A broken water pipe beneath the structure has caused it to sink, further complicating her situation. Although Jenkins’s son recently moved in to provide some financial assistance, it has not been nearly enough to turn her circumstances around. She perceives her situation as precarious, stating that she sometimes feels like a “homeless person” despite still having a roof over her head.
To cope with her rising bills, Jenkins has turned to her local church for assistance, which has helped with her utility expenses. However, she continues to emphasize the challenges seniors face in finding adequate support as they navigate their later years, feeling increasingly marginalized and overlooked by available resources.
The Broader Housing Crisis in Charleston
Jenkins’s plight is not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects a growing issue within Charleston as the city grapples with a significant housing crisis. Rising costs and an increasing population have sharpened the demand for affordable housing options. As of July 2025, Charleston has over 5,800 existing affordable housing units, with an additional 815 proposed units aimed at addressing these pressing needs. However, the current waiting list for public housing and Section 8 assistance overseen by the Charleston County Housing and Redevelopment Authority is closed due to overwhelming demand, with an estimated 2,200 to 2,900 individuals currently on the list.
Notably, there has been an uptick in the senior population seeking affordable housing solutions in Charleston, highlighting the importance of addressing the unique needs of this demographic. In response to the growing crisis, new developments such as the Urbana Heights project aim to contribute towards solving the issue, proposing the construction of 180 affordable housing units by 2030.
Charleston officials have established a goal to provide more than 15,000 affordable housing units by 2030 in a bid to combat the ongoing housing crisis. The situation continues to evolve as community members and local organizations seek effective strategies for providing adequate support for seniors and others in need.
FAQs about the Housing Situation in Charleston
What challenges are seniors facing in Charleston regarding housing?
Seniors in Charleston are facing challenges such as inadequate income, rising repair costs for their homes, and difficulties in accessing assistance from relevant agencies. Many are struggling with deteriorating living conditions and often find themselves marginalized as they seek help.
What is being done to address the housing crisis in Charleston?
Various initiatives are underway, including proposed developments for affordable housing units. The city aims to have over 15,000 affordable housing units by 2030 and new projects like Urbana Heights aim to add 180 affordable units to the market.
What role do local agencies play in assisting seniors with housing?
Local agencies are expected to provide assistance with repairs and housing applications; however, many are currently limited by funding constraints and high demand. The challenge lies in their ability to deliver meaningful support to seniors like Tammy Jenkins.
Key Features of Charleston’s Housing Crisis
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Affordable Housing Units | 5,800 existing units |
| Proposed Affordable Housing Units | 815 units |
| Target for 2030 | 15,000+ affordable housing units |
| Waiting List for Public Housing | 2,200 to 2,900 individuals |
| New Development (Urbana Heights) | 180 affordable housing units |
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Housing Gap Challenges Charleston
- World Atlas: Charming South Carolina Communities to Retire Around Charleston
- Post and Courier: Charleston SC West Ashley House Townhome Apartment Buyer
- Housing Finance: Charleston School to be Converted into Senior Housing
- Live 5 News: Historic Charleston Elementary School Open for Affordable Senior Housing
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Senior Housing Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Charleston Housing Crisis
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Challenges
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
