City of Columbia awards contract to Health Management Associates to improve support for unsheltered community members
February 23, 2026
The City of Columbia Homeless Services Department is contracting with Health Management Associates, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive community assessment focused on strengthening services and support for unsheltered neighbors.
Through this collaboration, the consulting team will work alongside service providers, community stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience to better understand current needs and opportunities for improvement.
Key areas of focus include:
- Identifying barriers to housing stability and developing strategies to expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing
- Evaluating mental health and substance use resources to identify service gaps and recommend evidence based solutions
- Promoting trauma informed care practices that ensure services are compassionate, coordinated, and person centered; and strengthening community partnerships through a clear, data driven framework to guide outreach and long term planning
The assessment will result in a strategic roadmap with measurable outcomes designed to align community resources, enhance service delivery, and create sustainable pathways from homelessness to long term stability.
As part of this effort, the City of Columbia Homeless Services Department is calling on grassroots agencies that work with unsheltered individuals, including organizations that may not typically be included in planning discussions, to participate in upcoming focus groups.
Focus Group Dates: March 17, 2026 and March 18, 2026
Purpose: To gather insights, experiences, and community driven perspectives that will help shape effective planning and services.
Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to email [email protected] with the subject line “Homeless Services 2026.”
Your voice matters—let’s work together to make a meaningful impact!
