24-Hour Homeless Shelter Opens by Month’s End

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)  —  For the first time in recent history, the City of Columbia tackles its homelessness epidemic with ’round-the-clock shelter and services to those who have no place to call home.

Beginning September 24, the shelter on Williams Street, which usually operates five months out of the year, will operate seven months out of the year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Councilman Cameron Runyan has led the charge for the city to adopt a new plan that calls for the shelter to serve as a triage unit.  Homeless citizens will be bused in voluntarily, receive services they need so they can move on to becoming more self-sufficient.  They will receive food, clothing, shelter, restrooms and showers daily, and be allowed to reside at the facility for up to seven days.  At that time, Runyan says, individuals will be encouraged to transition to a live-in facility and receive more help for additional needs.

While the temporary plan takes shape, Runyan says Council is already exploring other facilities outside the city limits to serve as a more permanent solution.