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.
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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.