Common Cause Loan Fund

With preservation funds increasingly hard to come by, the displacement of some of Charleston’s long-term homeowners is amplified. The cost of maintenance for older homes – particularly in traditionally underserved communities – can limit the homeowner’s ability to remain in their home. The Common Cause Loan Fund was established by Historic Charleston Foundation and the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation in response to this growing problem.

The program provides much needed resources to qualifying homeowners for necessary exterior repairs, offsetting some of the cost burden of owning a historic home. Most importantly, it increases the likelihood of low-income residents being able to stay in their homes without being forced out by displacement pressures or the threat of deteriorating living conditions.

“Just like historic fabric erodes, losing the people, the families that have been in the  houses for generations – that causes the cultural character to erode.” – April Wood, Manager of Easements and Technical Outreach

Common Cause Property

In partnership with the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation (CRC) and the City of Charleston, Historic Charleston Foundation is steadfast in our commitment to this program. The video below discusses this program with Historic Charleston Foundation staff, trustees, partner organizations and community members, produced and filmed by Thesis Content.

For more information about the Common Cause Loan Fund, contact April Wood, Manager of Easements and Technical Outreach at [email protected].

This program is made possible with the support of partner organizations, 1772 Foundation and the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation.

Back Row: Morton Construction employee(s) with Marvin Morton. Front: FA Johnson, CRDC, Ms. Washington the sister of homeowner, Mr. Scott, April Wood, HCF Manager of Technical Outreach, Spring 2023. 

 Thank you to our partners and friends including but not limited to:

Edward Pritchard and John Robinson, Pritchard Law Group

Morton Construction, 181 Smith and 21 Aiken

Watersedge Builders, 283 Ashley

City of Charleston

Baker Roofing, LLC

Rosen & Associates