Passes for homeless available this year

Three of the Midlands’ largest human service agencies are joining Columbia leaders to offer hope to the homeless again.

Leaders with the Cooperative Ministry, the Salvation Army and Harvest Hope Food Bank announced last week that the agencies will distribute the Hope Pass for a second year.

The pass provides free transportation on a Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority bus to the Salvation Army and a warm meal on arrival.

The idea is to offer downtown merchants and others more avenues for assisting homeless residents when approached on the streets while avoiding “guilt giving.” Instead, businesses, churches, community groups and individuals are encouraged to offer the passes — rather than cash — when a homeless person asks them for money.

The passes are honored on any RTA bus at any bus stop as long as the bus is heading downtown.

Agency officials report that about 250 of the 2,500 passes distributed during the past year were used. This year, 5,000 passes have been printed and will be made available at no charge to businesses and other interested groups.

Leaders with the effort hope to see an increase in the number of passes used this year.

“It is a much-needed cooperative effort to feed our brothers and sisters in need during this challenging time of year,” said Matt Kennell, president and CEO of City Center Partnership, which also is partnering in the effort.

The Hope Passes are good throughout the year, with each pass to be used one time. There is no charge for the passes, but area businesses or individuals may make a donation to any of the three agencies to help offset the cost.

The passes can be picked up at the City Center Partnership, 1201 Main St., Suite 150, in downtown Columbia, or by calling (803) 309-6965.

• n n

Pets Inc. is teaming up with Santa to give 20 dogs and 20 cats new families for Christmas.

The Midlands’ largest pet rescue organization is offering free adoptions to families with special needs.

All animals available for adoption will have been spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Dogs will have been tested for heartworms and cats for feline leukemia and FIV/AIDS. Microchips and visible identification tags with lifetime registration will be provided. Pets Inc. also will include a 30-day pet health insurance policy for each animal.

Senior citizens on a fixed income, crime victims, returning veterans and those who are recovering from financial misfortune because of illness, injury or accidents may apply.

To pre-qualify, contact Pets Inc. at (803) 739-9333 or visit the shelter at 300 Orchard Road in West Columbia.