#United States #Charleston #Property Rights #Center for Heirs' Property #East Texas Heirs

The Center for Heirs' Property Celebrates Two Decades of Service

The Center for Heirs' Property (CHP) is marking its 20th anniversary with a meaningful expansion into East Texas, aimed at assisting more families in securing their land ownership and legacy. This initiative, known as the East Texas Heirs' Property Initiative (ETHPi), is a significant milestone for CHP as it extends its long-standing commitment to helping families navigate the complexities of heirs' property.

Heirs' property, which refers to land that is passed down through generations without a clear title, represents a major barrier to wealth accumulation and property retention, particularly in the Southern United States. In some counties in East Texas, an astonishing one-third of the land is classified as heirs' property, limiting families' access to essential resources, such as USDA programs, conservation grants, and loans for businesses or farming ventures.

Dr. Jennie L. Stephens, CEO of CHP, highlighted this issue: "We have a proven track record of empowering families to protect their most vital assets—their homes and land. Our efforts have allowed us to enhance our impact in critical regions of the country. The connection between East Texas families and their land is profound, much like those in Appalachia, where challenges in proving ownership can impede access to necessary tools for retention. By partnering with organizations across the Southern states and Appalachia, we illustrate that the issue of heirs' property transcends geographic boundaries and represents both a challenge and an opportunity for families and communities nationwide."

Two Decades of Achievements

Since its inception, the Center for Heirs' Property has served as a trusted ally for landowners with small parcels in the South and Appalachia. Through practical support that includes legal education, technical assistance, and forest management, CHP empowers families to safeguard, secure, and expand their land holdings. Over the last 20 years, their accomplishments have been significant, including:

• - Delivering free, one-hour legal advice and counsel to 6,241 clients.
• - Facilitating the creation of 2,213 simple wills during community Wills Clinics.
• - Providing direct legal assistance to 2,680 individuals and resolving titles with an impressive combined tax-assessed value of $31.6 million, thereby granting families clear, marketable ownership.
• - Offering forestry education and technical assistance to over 650 families managing a combined 40,000 acres.
• - Securing more than $11 million to support collaborative efforts in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia.

As CHP celebrates this milestone, it remains dedicated to expanding its reach, improving access to services, and fostering partnerships that bolster secure land ownership, enhance family stability, and promote economic resilience for future generations.

Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, the Center for Heirs' Property is set to continue its mission of creating a legacy that enables families to protect their homes and land. CHP is firmly rooted in South Carolina’s rich heritage, yet its influence is broadening to encompass a national vision where every family has the chance to enjoy the benefits of homeownership. In that spirit, CHP aims to secure ownership, ensure protection, and create prosperity for generations to come.

For additional information and resources, visit www.heirsproperty.org.

With their unwavering commitment to landowners, the Center for Heirs' Property is not just building structures; they are creating legacies that will last a lifetime and beyond.