Housing Security
Changes Everything.
Take 2 Steps Forward, Inc. works to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep Lowcountry families from achieving stable housing and lasting economic mobility.
Rooted in Community.
Built for Change.
For four years, Take 2 Steps Forward has worked on the frontlines of economic mobility and housing security in the Lowcountry and Aiken, SC. Our leadership brings over two decades of lived and professional experience in healthcare and the justice system.
We believe stable housing is not just a shelter—it is the foundation for purpose, belonging, and generational wealth. Our work shifts from direct service to systems change: rewriting the rules that keep communities locked out.
Founder's Story
Our founder, a former Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and single mother who became an LPN after 20 years on the frontlines, experienced firsthand the pressures of high-priced housing. Working within prison and jail systems made it clear: housing insecurity is the root cause of many systemic issues.
A Three-Pronged Approach
We tackle the systemic roots of housing insecurity through policy, community voice, and economic opportunity—simultaneously.
Zoning Reform Advocacy
Collaborating with municipal and county councils in the Lowcountry and Aiken to draft and introduce zoning text amendments that permit sustainable, alternative housing materials — including container storage housing.
- ✓15 stakeholder briefings with city councils
- ✓2+ zoning text amendments submitted
- ✓Replicable policy templates for all 46 SC counties
Community Voice & Engagement
Facilitating listening sessions with Gullah Geechee and low-income community members to ensure their lived experiences shape proposed policy changes — centering the people most affected by housing insecurity.
- ✓12 community listening sessions
- ✓Gullah Geechee community co-design
- ✓Justice-impacted resident participation
Economic Mobility Pipeline
Connecting underemployed community members directly to trade school applications, breaking down the application barrier, and pairing them with local agricultural and construction trades for lasting employment.
- ✓30+ adults assisted with trade applications
- ✓Direct workforce pipeline connections
- ✓Agricultural & construction trade placements
Lowcountry Sustainable Housing Model
Inspired by West African vernacular housing and Gullah Geechee traditions, our modular unit concept combines low-cost materials with community-centered design.
Low-Cost, Recycled Materials
Container storage repurposed as durable housing units
Sustainable Green Roof
Passive cooling ventilation with Lowcountry-inspired design
Integrated Solar & Rainwater
Off-grid capable with integrated power and harvest systems
West African Community Layout
Cluster design honoring Gullah Geechee cultural traditions
Measurable Impact
Our Sustainable Housing and Economic Mobility Project sets concrete, time-bound targets so communities and funders can hold us accountable.
Statewide Scalability
All policy templates, engineering reviews, and educational materials developed will be published on an open-source platform — enabling housing advocates in all 46 South Carolina counties to replicate our systems-level work.
Systemic Barriers We're Working to Remove
In the Lowcountry and Midland regions, residents — particularly within historically underserved Gullah Geechee communities — face a dual crisis of housing insecurity and limited economic mobility.
Restrictive Zoning & Building Codes
Outdated ordinances prohibit innovative, low-cost housing alternatives, preventing families from building generational wealth.
Infrastructure Disparities
Historic underinvestment in Gullah Geechee communities creates barriers to property ownership and development.
Economic Disconnect & Justice System Impact
Economic instability and housing insecurity force individuals into cycles of poverty with direct links to incarceration.
Systems Change, Not Just Services
Rather than building one house at a time, we work to change the municipal rules that block affordable housing construction — creating lasting impact that scales across entire regions.
Addressing root causes, not just symptoms
Centering Gullah Geechee community voices in policy co-design
Affirming dignity through culturally-rooted housing models
Creating open-source resources replicable statewide
Ready to Take 2 Steps Forward?
Whether you're a community member, policy advocate, funder, or organization, there's a place for you in this work. Reach out to learn how you can partner with us.
Partner With Us
Organizations and institutions working toward housing equity and economic justice.
Community Members
Share your story and help shape the policy solutions that will serve your community.
Funders & Donors
Support systems-level change that creates lasting impact across South Carolina.
Get In Touch
Serving the Lowcountry and Midlands of South Carolina
Connect With Us
To inquire about partnerships, funding opportunities, community listening sessions, or trade school pipeline enrollment, please reach out directly to our team.