Columbia, SC — Before Transitions, litter was a primary complaint of downtown business owners in relation to people who are homeless. Today, our clients help clean the area, improving the surroundings for businesses, customers and visitors. This is one example of how Transitions is not only rebuilding lives but restructuring a community.

Shelter is only one stepping stone in the journey toward helping people reestablish their lives. Each day we help clients address barriers that have hindered them from achieving their goals — barriers such as unemployment, substance abuse and mental-health issues. For many outsiders, and even some clients, this is a lofty and unattainable mission, but for the more than 250 clients who have moved from homelessness to permanent housing, this is a dream realized.

The work done at Transitions is far more economical than a night in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center — estimated at $65 — or a night in the emergency room — estimated at $970. The question is whether the community would rather support an opportunity to help people reach their full potential, or fund options that provide no support toward stabilization and productivity.

Jeremy Martin

Emergency Services Program

Manager

Midlands Housing

Alliance/Transitions

Columbia