In 2025, Columbia (the capital of South Carolina) is tackling homelessness with a multi-faceted, innovative approach centered around Rapid Shelter Columbia—a transitional housing initiative that permanently housed its 100th resident this year. This program, launched in late 2022, provides 50 unsheltered individuals at a time with private sleeping quarters, support for mental and physical health, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance, benefits enrollment, meals, and social programming. City staff collaborate with community partners to address individual needs and build long-term stability, focusing especially on chronically unsheltered residents, veterans, and those with disabilities or mental health conditions.
Columbia’s city council has prioritized homelessness as a key issue, dedicating $4-5 million annually and organizing a Homeless Services Ad Hoc Committee to track and implement long-term solutions. Programs include permanent supportive housing (Continuum of Care), the expansion of non-cash and insurance benefits, employment assistance, wellness workshops, and gradual increases in affordable housing and healthcare access. Community-based volunteer groups—including university-led initiatives—help supplement official services through direct outreach, meal distribution, clothing drives, and rehabilitation support.
Despite significant progress, Columbia still faces challenges from rising chronic homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing, but the city’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count saw improvements, with ongoing engagement and funding allocation aimed at sustaining momentum and making meaningful reductions in homelessness.
SOURCES
[1](https://columbiasc.gov/rapid-shelter-columbia-permanently-houses-100th-resident/)
[2](https://wach.com/news/local/columbia-city-council-meets-to-discuss-funding-for-homelessness-projects)
[3](https://www.dailygamecock.com/article/2025/02/usc-students-are-making-efforts-to-prioritize-the-homeless-population-in-columbia-news-sanders)
[4](https://columbiasc.gov/city-of-columbias-homeless-services-ad-hoc-committee-to-convene-with-focus-on-sustainability-and-strategic-outlook/)
[5](https://columbiaha.com/ways-we-can-help/homeless-resources/)
