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The Homeless Need Our Help

More than $9 million has been raised to build a Homeless Transition Center in downtown Columbia. Yet this badly-needed facility is facing opposition from near downtown neighborhoods as well as some political leaders.

It is our prayer that the faith community will rally behind the Transition Center. The starting point is to educate yourself on the need for the Center. You will find valuable information and perspective in the slide show above.

Then we hope you will sign the petition below and that you will get others to sign it, as well. We want our city leaders to understand that there are many more of us who support the center than those who oppose it.

When the MIHAC was formed 18 months ago, who could have dreamed that our community could have madeso much progress? But we are not there yet, which is why this petition campaign and your help are so crucial. Read the petition that follows, please download it, sign it and encourage others to sign it. With your help we can light the way to end homelessness.

I will help Light the Way to end homelessness! (click to print and sign petition)

I stand with the Midlands Housing alliance in its effort to transform the Salvation Army property at Main Street and Elmwood Avenue into a Homeless Transition Center that will provide comprehensive services to address the needs of Columbia's homeless population and move them out of homelessness. In addition, I encourage the use of public funds for the Center and urge our elected officials to support the center, since it will benefit all Midlands residents and improve the quality of life in our community.

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	We Believe there is a better way to address homelessness

We believe in a God that calls us to offer care for our homeless neighbors.

We believe that an old problem must be approached with new solutions.

We believe that a comprehensive homeless services center and shelter will dramatically improve the lives of individuals who are homeless and have a positive impact on the quality of life for all Midlands citizens.

We believe that we are better people and a better city when we work together as people of faith for the sake of our community.

	In the Media

	Business Leaders Announce Major Homeless Initiative

Midlands business leaders, social service providers and faith leaders came together in June, 2008, to announce a major new initiative to address homelessness.

A new 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, Midlands Housing Alliance (MHA), has been formed to help people permanently rehabilitate and transition their lives by moving off the streets and into housing. To jump-start this significant endeavor, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has provided a $5 million challenge grant to fund the development of a comprehensive services program and center to coordinate services.