About → Quick Facts
Quick Facts
A proud affiliate of the National Urban League, advancing economic equity and opportunity across Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry since 1971.
The Mission
To enable and empower African-Americans and others in underserved communities to achieve their highest human potential and secure economic self-reliance, parity, power, and civil rights across the Charleston, South Carolina Lowcountry.
In 2025, the Charleston Area Urban League advanced economic empowerment, housing stability and affordability, and racial equity across South Carolina and the Lowcountry — working collaboratively through trusted partnerships with local and national corporations and state and local governments to solve complex social and economic challenges.
3
Counties Served
Charleston · Berkeley · Dorchester
Serving the Lowcountry
No Waiting List for Justice
Free.
1971
Year Founded in Charleston, SC
7,500+
Individuals Served Annually Across the Lowcountry
$3.5M+
In Tax Returns Generated for Working Families in 2025
What We Offer
Programming Offered
⦿ Free VITA income tax preparation (IRS-certified)
⦿ First-time homebuyer education & counseling
⦿ Rent and utility emergency assistance
⦿ Eviction prevention and housing stability support
⦿ Financial literacy and credit-building workshops
⦿ Fair housing complaint advocacy (English, Spanish & Portuguese)
⦿ Diversity and inclusion consulting for organizations
⦿ Tax guidance for professional clients
⦿ Community conferences and racial equity programming
⦿ Workforce development and economic skills training
Our Focus Areas
Foundation Goals
Housing Stability & Affordability
Every Lowcountry family deserves safe, decent, affordable housing. We prevent eviction, assist homebuyers, and fight for fair housing rights.
Economic Empowerment & Jobs
Every Charleston area resident deserves access to living-wage jobs, entrepreneurship pathways, and financial tools for long-term stability.
Racial Equity & Civil Rights
We organize, advocate, and build community power to close equity gaps and protect civil rights for all South Carolina Lowcountry residents.
Justice & Civic Engagement
We convene community conferences, advise local organizations on diversity, and create space for collective action on the issues that matter most.
Financial Literacy & Education
Equipping individuals and families with the financial knowledge and credit tools to build wealth and long-term economic security in the Lowcountry.
2025 Community Impact in the Charleston Lowcountry
These outcomes represent more than numbers — they represent families housed, futures protected, and communities strengthened through collaboration. In 2025, the Charleston Area Urban League delivered measurable results across the South Carolina Lowcountry.
19
First-Time Homebuyers Helped to Achieve Homeownership
4,000+
Individuals Assisted Through VITA Free Tax Program
$3.5M+
In Tax Returns Generated for Lowcountry Working Families
109
People Supported in Avoiding Eviction & Staying Housed
68
Households Received Rent & Utility Assistance
57
Empowered via Financial Education
Systems & Advocacy
Strengthening Systems Beyond Direct Services
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Multilingual Fair Housing Access: Addressing fair housing complaints in English, Spanish, and Portuguese — ensuring language access and protecting housing rights for all Charleston area residents.
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Community Conferences & Racial Equity: Organizing signature community conferences that honor South Carolina's Urban League history, reigniting momentum for racial equity dialogue and collective action in the Lowcountry.
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Professional Tax Strategy: Providing income tax guidance to professional clients, equipping them with strategies that improve financial outcomes for themselves and the communities they serve.
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Diversity & Inclusion Consulting: Advising and consulting local organizations across the Charleston metro area in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.