City of Columbia’s Overflow Shelter open for people experiencing homelessness

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — A safe place to stay is available for people experiencing homelessness as inclement weather from Tropical Storm Debby continues.

Director of Homeless Services Kameisha Heppard says the Overflow Shelter at Rapid Shelter Columbia is usually reserved for colder months, when the temperature reaches 40 degrees or below.

But as Tropical Storm Debby continues, the extra rooms will remain open to additional non-residents of the shelter.

“So we send out an email, it goes out by 1 p.m. during inclement weather or in the season, and it tells all our partners and volunteers that we’re going to open. That starts all the moving parts coming together, and then we put out signs. There will be a sign at City Hall, at Transitions, and at the library that says overflow will be open,” Heppard says.

Around 90 men and women experiencing homelessness used the space on Tuesday night, offering them hot meals from the Salvation Army, a place to shower, and a safe bed to sleep in.

Starting at 5 p.m., Homeless Services Project Coordinator Johnasten Cooper says folks in need can receive transportation to the shelter via the Comet Bus system from the corner of Sumter and Laurel Streets downtown.

“A lot of the folks that oftentimes turn down support from the shelters want to get out of the rain, and so having this place to be able to say I have a bed for the night is really really awesome,” Cooper says.

And folks can help their efforts through donations.

“Whether it be for our outreach efforts, our emergency shelter residents or our pallet shelter residents that are a part of the Rapid Shelter, anytime you guys want to make a donation you can come on down to the shelter and drop it off,” he says.

Tucked behind the old Aflac building and Columbia Water Treatment Plant on Huger Street, Heppard says appreciated items for the shelter include men and women’s clothing, suitcases, backpacks, socks, coats, games, and shoes.

“I’m just really appreciative of the community. They have given us so much support in our efforts, and we appreciate it,” she says.

Around 4o men and 10 women stay in the pallets at Rapid Shelter year round.