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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. 

 

Be a Part of the Solution. Join Us
Construction Underway on Transitions

Construction has begun on Transitions, the Midlands Housing Alliance (MHA) homeless transition center scheduled for completion in April, 2011 at the corner of Main Street and Elmwood Avenue. The goal of all services is to help individuals move from homelessness to permanent housing.

Services will include:

  • Day center services for 100-150 men and women, including food, showers and laundry.
  • 52 emergency beds for men and women living on the street who need a safe place to sleep but may not be ready for a structured program.
  • 26 respite beds for short-term recovery after hospital release.
  • 72 program entry beds, with case management and short-term housing, for those ready and motivated to enter a program of recovery.
  • 64 transitoinal housing units, offering a 3-month to 2-year stay to address obstacles (job skills, illness, substance abuse, etc.) and achieve self-sufficiency.

With donations from individuals, groups and the business and faith communities, MHA raised $11.4 million to build the center, including a $5 million grant  from the Knight Foundation. MHA has submitted a funding request to Columbia City Council for $250,000 for initial operating funds for the first quarter of 2011.

Lexington County Council has approved $125,000 in funding to support Transitions.

MHA is finalizing plans for a groundbreaking event for the center to be held later this summer.
 

The Faith Community's Voice...Growing Stronger

 More than 60 Midlands houses of worship are now part of the MIHAC network. These partnerships enable MIHAC to be a collective voice for the faith community in advocating for the homeless.

MIHAC meets with business and political leaders and homeless service providers, provides houses of worship and the community with information and awareness of homelessness issues and the needs of the homeless, and helps faith-based groups offer direct and indrect assistance to the homeless, such as recruiting volunteers to serve meals at to the City's hungry and homeless in partnership with the Salvation Army. In March, MIHAC co-sponsored a Mayoral Candidates Forum on homelessness.

The more faith community voices MIHAC represents, the greater potential we will have to bring about positive change. Working as the unified voice of the faith comunity, MIHAC can have a more signficant impact on programs and policies than faith groups can individually.

If your house of worship or faith-based organization is interested in becoming a MIHAC partner,  please send us an e-mail at LightTheWayColumbia@gmail.com and provide the name and address, e-mail address, phone number and a contact name. A MIHAC representative will provide more information on the benefits of partnering with us.
 
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Anthem of Hope

The Midlands Interfaith Homelessness Action Council brings together people of extraordinary talent like Kiah Creed, whose concern about this issue led him to write the song, We Can Light The Way. Take a moment and listen to it, as sung by Terri Schumpert, and educate yourself on the problem of homelessness in the Midlands.
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