For schools across the country, homecoming is a time of returning focus to the campus community, a time of coming home to a renewed sense of responsibility and pride.

Homecoming 2008 at College of Charleston needs a strong focal point of activity that symbolizes our commitment to improve our “home”: the College campus and the City of Charleston.

The focal point needs to be cooperative, bringing together a wide variety of campus organizations, offices, and classrooms with a diverse collection of city entities and institutions.

The City-wide Need

Low Homeownership
Only 48% of households own their own homes in the city of Charleston, compared to 58% for Charleston County, and 70% statewide.

Rising Cost of Housing
In 1990, the median value of a home on the peninsula was $119,560, almost double the state median of $61,100. According to 2005 Census data, the median value has risen to $215, 300, with a state average of $94,900.

Racial Discrimination
Charleston was listed in a recent study as one of the worst cities for housing discrimination based on race. African Americans and Hispanics are at least twice as likely as whites to receive mortgage loans with above-market rates.

Did You Know?

That a Charleston Habitat family of 4 earns between $14,740 and $33,840? This means that the average Habitat homeowner can afford to spend about $75,000 on housing. Compare that to these figures…

Local Area	Median Home Price	Average Home Price
North Charleston	$144,000	$150,639
West Ashley	$215,900	$245,342
Charleston County	$209,900	$301,410

Local area Median Home Price Average Home Price North Charleston $144,000* $150,639* West Ashley $215,900* $245,342* Charleston County $209,900* $301,410* …and it’s clear why Habitat has meant so much to so many families in need of housing.

…and it’s clear why Habitat has meant so much to so many families in need of housing.