As the Midlands faces its coldest stretch of winter, Columbia’s emergency winter shelter is experiencing a significant increase in demand.
Overnight temperatures have plummeted below 40 degrees, with even colder weather and possible snow expected this weekend.
The City of Columbia’s Emergency Winter Shelter operates two major programs: the “Rapid Shelter Columbia”, which offers a 90-day shelter for those experiencing homelessness, and the “Overflow Winter Shelter”, a temporary option for those in immediate need. These shelters are vital, especially when weather conditions make it too dangerous for people to stay outside.
The winter shelter served 220 people on Thursday night, a number well above its usual average, according to Kameisha Heppard, Director of Homeless Services…