Every night, I get to tuck my children into bed knowing they have a safe, warm place to sleep. I get to close the door to our home with the quiet confidence that—no matter what the day brought—we’ll have a roof over our heads tomorrow. That kind of security isn’t just a convenience. It’s the foundation for everything else: peace of mind, a chance to plan for the future, the ability to show up fully at work, at school, and in our community.

But not everyone in Greenville County is so fortunate.

Too many of our neighbors are living one unexpected expense away from eviction. Too many families are being pushed out by rising costs and stagnant wages, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to. And now, in the face of this growing crisis, our County Council has chosen to remove $2 million in funding for affordable workforce housing from the county budget.

That decision is not just a regressive policy choice — it’s a choice rooted in apathy and moral bankruptcy.

When we fail to make the necessary investments in housing, we fail our people. We deny them the basic security that helps make everything else possible. We deny them the opportunity to lead a dignified life! This isn’t just about economics. It’s about what kind of community we want to be. Do we believe that everyone — regardless of income — deserves a decent, stable place to live? Or are we willing to turn a blind eye while more and more families are cast out and left behind?

This is a choice between dignity or deprivation.

We need our County Council to do the right thing. To choose moral courage over political convenience. To use their power to make life better for the people of Greenville County — not just some of us, but all of us.

I join Councilman Ennis Fant in calling on the Council to adopt an amendment to the budget that restores the $2 million in funding for affordable workforce housing. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet — this is about real people, real families, real futures.

Join me in demanding that our leaders act with the moral clarity this moment requires. Let’s build a Greenville County where we make life better for all and every person has the chance to live a decent, dignified life — starting with a place to call home.

Sign the petition. Speak up for the dignity of all of those in our community. Demand the $2 million be restored.

(And join us on June 17th at 5:30pm at the County Council meeting to make your voice heard — 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601)