Rapid Shelter Columbia recently celebrated a milestone—the placement of its 100th individual in permanent housing. Since its inception in November 2022, the City of Columbia’s Homeless Services team has addressed homelessness through comprehensive support services and innovative housing solutions like Rapid Shelter Columbia.
“As we celebrate housing our 100th resident, I’m incredibly proud of my team and the dedication they bring to this work,” said Kameisha Heppard, director of homeless services. “Housing an individual is just the beginning—our commitment extends to ensuring each person has the resources and support they need to thrive in the community. We remain focused on serving one person at a time, recognizing that every individual’s path to stability is unique.”
Rapid Shelter Columbia is the first project of its kind in the Southeast, providing up to 50 unsheltered residents at a time with their own space, bed, and personal storage. In addition to safe shelter, residents receive services addressing physical and mental health needs, substance use disorders, benefits enrollment, employment, and more.
“At its inception, Rapid Shelter Columbia was launched to be a program of impact,” said Teresa Wilson, City of Columbia city manager. “These benchmarks demonstrate success, one individual at a time, and showcase impact and sustainability. I am very thankful to our staff and partners for such purpose driven work.”
Homeless Services staff partner with community organizations to host wellness workshops, gardening programs, and recreational outings such as trips to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. These activities help residents build community and stability during their transitional period.
Impact Since Opening (as of August 22, 2025)
•431 individuals admitted, including 31 veterans
•12 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits secured
•60 non-cash benefits obtained
•74 individuals employed
•73 individuals enrolled in insurance
•128,235 meals served
•1,034 referrals made to community partners
•101 residents permanently housed
Key Milestones
Residents No. 100 and No. 101 transitioned to permanent housing within a 24-hour period, overcoming extraordinary barriers with the support of staff and partners.
Rapid Shelter Columbia continues to serve individuals facing complex challenges:
•44 percent diagnosed with a mental health issue •34 percent diagnosed with substance use disorder •28 percent living with a physical disability •29 percent with a chronic health condition
In January 2025, the City of Columbia Homeless Services Ad-Hoc Committee convened for the first time, further supporting the city’s commitment to sustainable and effective solutions.
As of July 2025, the program had received 1,092 referrals, with 431 admissions meeting qualifications for being chronically unsheltered—defined as being homeless for a consecutive year or four separate times within three years.
Broader Context
Columbia’s relative affordability keeps homelessness lower than in many larger metros. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Columbia/Midlands region saw a 9.3 percent decrease in its unsheltered population from 2007 to 2024, while South Carolina saw an 18.8 percent decrease during the same period. Nationally, homelessness increased 40 percent since 2017, with the highest-ever number recorded in 2024—771,480 people or about 23 of every 10,000 residents.
South Carolina’s rate of homelessness remains comparatively low at 9 people per 10,000, ranking the state 22nd nationwide.
The 2025 Point-in-Time Count found 1,334 individuals experiencing homelessness across the 13 Midlands counties served by the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH). Of these, 63 percent resided in Richland County, a 10 percent increase from 2019. Among those counted, 24 percent were chronically homeless and 51 percent reported at least one disabling condition.
How to Help
To support Rapid Shelter Columbia with a donation, partnership, or volunteer service, contact:
•Johnasten Cooper, (803) 237-3040, Johnasten.Cooper@columbiasc.gov
•Aren Pace, (803) 403-4682, Aren.Pace@columbiasc.gov
If you or someone you know is chronically unsheltered, submit a referral to:
•Nyasia Franklin, (803) 545-3476, Nyasia.Franklin@columbiasc.gov.
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