COLUMBIA, SC – Celebrating Two Years of Hope and Change
On a sunny day brimming with positivity, Rapid Shelter Columbia celebrated a significant milestone – its 2nd birthday. The event brought together staff, residents, and City of Columbia leaders at their Calhoun Street location, creating a wonderful atmosphere of gratitude and reflection. With every passing year, this center has been a beacon of hope for those who are unhoused, dedicated to steering them towards permanent homes and self-sufficiency.
A Heartfelt Celebration
During the celebration, Matt Kummer, a former resident, shared an emotional story of his journey. Now residing in a permanent home, Matt expressed how life-changing his experience at Rapid Shelter Columbia has been. “I can’t express to you what a great feeling it was to have a key and have a Pallet house,” he said. He continued, “I hadn’t had my own home in so long, and there was a power in that. It was something I could call mine; it was really a very touching and moving experience for me.” His words resonated deeply with everyone present, reminding us all of the profound impact of having a place to call home.
Acknowledging Partnerships
The event wasn’t just a celebration of progress; it also recognized the essential role that community partners play in combating homelessness. Awards were presented to individuals and organizations for their invaluable support and dedication to creating positive change. Councilwoman Dr. Aditi Bussells expressed her pride in the achievements made over the last two years. “It was wonderful to see people come together and really reflect on how much progress we’ve made. I shared today that as of now, one of our employees was actually late to the celebration because he was helping a resident sign a lease. We have permanently housed 71 individuals, and I’m very proud of that number,” she said with a smile.
The Journey to Change
Among the stars of the day was Case Manager Jalen Loney, who emphasized that change often starts from within. “It’s more of a mental connection because we see the drug abuse, we see the mental traumas going on firsthand. I see it every day. I answer the phone, and one call can change a person’s life,” Loney shared. His passion for the work shone through as he described the challenges faced by the residents. He acknowledged that while they offer various services, “sometimes we can’t change everyone unless they’re ready,” adding, “but when they’re ready, we have open arms to help them on their way.”
How to Help or Seek Help
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, Rapid Shelter Columbia encourages referrals through their outreach team, which includes provider agencies like MIRCI, Transitions, PRISMA Health, and others. For immediate needs, the City of Columbia provides a contracted Outreach Team ready to assist. Lead Outreach Specialist Alycia Roach can be reached at 803-467-0411, and Evening Outreach Specialist Larry Benjamin at 803-363-4581. In case you can’t get in touch with an outreach provider, Nyasia Franklin, Project Manager for Homeless Services, is available at (803)545-3476 or via email at Nyasia.Franklin@columbiasc.gov.
Looking Ahead
As Rapid Shelter Columbia celebrates its second year, the community reflects on the lives changed and the partnerships formed. With each story like Matt Kummer’s, the center continues to inspire hope for many. The commitment to making Columbia a city where everyone can find a home is stronger than ever. Together, with empathy and support, we can envision a brighter future for all.
