Finding Affordable Housing in SC

Whether you’re spending too much on rent (more than 30-40% of your income) or you’re looking for housing for another reason, you already know it’s tough. But there are ways to find help.

Programs to Check Out:

• SC Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) – Helps cover part of your rent if you qualify. The waitlists are long, but it’s still worth applying if you qualify.

• Local Housing Authorities – Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston—all have affordable housing programs. Google the county that you live in along side “affordable housing” and review what options come up. Look for a “.gov” web address to make sure it’s legit. The city of Greenville even has a live map to show you affordable units available now: https://greenvillehousingfund.com/where-is-greenvilles-affordable-housing/.

• Nonprofits like United Housing Connections (Greenville area) – They work with families facing homelessness or unsafe housing. There are many others in the state!

More Creative Moves:

• Roommate situations – Not ideal for everyone, but sometimes a short-term or medium-term solution until you get more financially stable.

• Income-based apartments – Rent is tied to your income instead of market rate.

• Talk to your landlord – If you’re behind or facing a rent increase that makes you uncomfortable, discuss it with your current landlord! As long as you’ve been a good tenant, this may be in everyone’s best interest. If you’d like a script to use, let me know.

Moving is hard. Hunting for affordable places is harder. But staying in a home that eats your whole paycheck will hold you back. Take small, steady steps toward something sustainable.