Editorial: Thanks to Transitions, and to its volunteers

EARLIER THIS MONTH, the Transitions staff and board honored several volunteers who help the downtown homeless center serve those needing a place to sleep, to escape extremely high or low temperatures, or to get their lives back on sound footing.

The center singled out at least six organizations and individuals who assist Transitions’ efforts to help the homeless move into permanent housing. Given the number of homeless in Columbia, it’s a daunting task.

Since it opened in June 2011, the center at Main Street and Elmwood Avenue has been serving scores of clients during the day and providing reserved beds for 260 people at night. The center reports it has moved 932 people to permanent housing, and nearly 2,800 people have moved to a more positive living situation.

The center’s downtown location has been controversial. Its opening in June 2011 was delayed for several years because of lawsuits, fund-raising challenges and politics. Many officials and nearby residents opposed having a homeless center downtown because of concerns about safety as well as worries that the center would hinder economic development.

We agree that it’s unfortunate to have a homeless center downtown. But our concerns focus on the need for a homeless center. We would prefer that everybody have adequate housing. The reality is that too many do not. It’s also true that the homeless congregate downtown, which means services for them must be downtown as well.

Here are the volunteers honored Sept. 1 by Transitions:

▪ United Way of the Midlands, Partner in Excellence Award

▪ Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Faith-based Partner of the Year Award

▪ University of South Carolina, Outstanding School Supporter of the Year

▪ BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Business Benefactor of the Year Award

▪ William Brown, a volunteer at the center, Claire Fort Volunteer of the Year Award

▪ Jim Lehman, managing partner of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Cathy Novinger Award

Thanks to the staff at Transitions for its work with the homeless. Thanks, also, to the volunteers who support Transitions in its vital work. They make our community a better place.