Columbia mayor says city seeks compassionate solution for homelessness | Opinion

In Columbia, we believe in the power of compassion. Compassion drives us to create a city that is safe, clean, and supportive for all our residents. It is with this spirit of compassion that we have launched Operation Hope and Order, a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing homelessness, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life for everyone in our city.

Operation Hope and Order is not only about law enforcement; it’s about understanding the root causes of homelessness and crime and addressing them with empathy and support. Our Columbia Police Department and Department of Mental Health Pathways Unit have been instrumental in this operation, responding to calls for service and connecting individuals with the resources they need to improve their circumstances.

We are actively recruiting more law enforcement officers, not just to maintain law and order, but to provide a sense of security and safety for our residents. A strong police presence is not just a deterrent for crime; it’s a reassurance to our community that we are here to protect and serve them.

Technology also plays a crucial role in our efforts. It allows us to enhance our services and keep our citizens informed. It can keep us safe and it can help us spread awareness. Using technology, we can light dark areas and provide security but we can also focus on getting services to those in need faster than ever before. But it’s not just about providing information; it’s about fostering a sense of community and engagement among our residents.

One of the significant steps we are proposing is the relocation of our providers to a central location where services can be offered on one campus. This move is about providing better services and support to those who need it most, as well as making our downtown safer for homeowners, patrons, businesses, and especially the homeless. Giving people access to the care and assistance they need, whether that’s the mental health department or the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, will lead to better outcomes for all of Columbia. It’s also about creating an environment that fosters a sense of hope for the future for this population of people. Building community and working together, in an environment where you have the resources to change the course of your life, can help us truly make an impact. We want to give people a space that’s their own, access to help, and a pathway to change their future for the better.

We are taking code enforcement actions against businesses that have become a nuisance by enabling a vulnerable population. This is not about punishment; it’s about maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. These businesses have created a safety issue by providing safe harbor to bad actors. We also strongly encourage all citizens to secure their properties, not just for their safety but for the overall security of our city. We need the support of our businesses and our neighborhoods.

I believe that it’s time we try something new in our community because what we’ve been doing over the last decade has not been producing positive outcomes. Homelessness has increased and the tolerance from the people who bear the brunt of these issues is wearing thin. We have to make a change for the better before we exhaust the compassion of our great city. We have to capture the good hearts and positive energy of the advocates and those who provide food and services and channel it to a system that works to provide positive outcomes for those who are most vulnerable in our society. What we are doing is not working, so we need to try to do something that will.

Operation Hope and Order is a reflection of our compassionate approach to governance. We believe that a clean, safe city is the most compassionate city. We understand that no one benefits from living on the streets. By addressing homelessness and crime in a comprehensive and compassionate way, we are not just enforcing the law; we are uplifting our community and making Columbia a city where everyone can thrive.