Columbia, South Carolina – Rapid Shelter Columbia has fulfilled a big goal: its 100th tenant has successfully moved into permanent accommodation. The City of Columbia’s larger efforts to minimize homelessness through targeted services and creative housing alternatives have made a big stride forward with this achievement.
The City’s Homeless Services team came up with the initiative in November 2022 to help meet the urgent needs of people who don’t have a place to live. Rapid Shelter Columbia is different from regular shelters since it gives each participant their own place, a bed, and storage. It also connects them with important services including medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, insurance enrollment, and career support. The goal of the method is to assist people stabilize while also getting them ready for long-term housing.
Program leaders emphasized that the milestone is both a moment of celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work ahead…