We raised $900 for The Sustainability Institute, our Q4 2025 Charity of the Quarter. We believe this was a particularly fitting choice for the fall and holiday season, as their work helps low-income families improve their housing, strengthen energy security, and enter winter with healthier, safer homes.
For over two decades, The Sustainability Institute has been a leader in advancing sustainability in the Lowcountry by:
- Retrofitting homes with energy and water upgrades and critical repairs
- Empowering families with the skills to maintain safe and efficient homes
- Training a new generation of conservation leaders through service learning
- Guiding high-performing building design and certification
- Restoring and protecting coastal habitats through nature-based solutions
We spotlighted their transformative Project 218: Reconnecting Union Heights. The project seeks to revitalize the historic Union Heights community in North Charleston—once divided and weakened by the construction of I-26—through affordable housing, critical home repairs, workforce training, and leadership development. Supported by an $11.4 million EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant, this initiative is helping to right past wrongs.
Unfortunately, this work is under direct threat. The Trump regime has attempted to cancel Project 218’s grant as part of their war against diversity, equity and inclusion. Trump denounces any effort towards social justice as “woke”, and this project is a prime example. The Sustainability Institute and the Union Heights community are fighting back in court, but the outcome remains uncertain. If successful, Trump’s attack would block desperately needed funding for affordable housing and life-saving home repairs for 50 families—many living in houses dating back to the early 1900s.
That’s why SHL not only raised funds for The Sustainability Institute, but also took direct action to defend Project 218. At our November 2025 gathering, we heard directly from Bryan Cordell, Executive Director of The Sustainability Institute, and we worked together to write postcards and plan calls to elected officials to urge them to stand up for Union Heights and secure funding to save Project 218.
Together, we can stand against political attacks on sustainability and justice, and help ensure that vulnerable families in our community have safe, healthy, and affordable homes.