Columbia City Council

By Temple Ligon

 

Transitions Delivers Positive Report

Craig Currey, CEO of Transitions, Columbia’s homeless shelter at the corner of Elmwood and Main, reported to city council Tuesday night, April 5.

 

Mission statement at Transitions:

Engaging and equipping homeless adults of the Midlands to Transition into stability and permanent housing.

 

Accomplishments since opening June 15, 2011:

•    5,489 unique clients served
•    1,142 clients moved to permanent housing
•    4,197 other progressions from homelessness to a more positive living situation
•    FY 15 engaged 2,613 unique clients
•    624,426 nutritious meals served (188,239 in FY2015 alone)
•    $22 a day/night for a client to be at Transitions
•    260 clients a night with another 70 in the Day Center
•    40+ partners that come on site to help

 

Services:

• 260 beds (167 male/93 female)
• life skills groups; employment readiness training
• referrals to community providers (40+ partners on site)
• religious/resiliency studies
• literacy, GED preparation, computer lab, resource center, legal aid
• clothing closet, laundry, restrooms, showers
• transportation

 

Client origins:

•    1,310 clients, 94.7% from South Carolina
•    1,165 or 89% from surrounding counties
•    984 or 75% Richland County
•    117 or 9% Lexington County
•    10.7% rest of South Carolina
•    5.3% out of state

 

Client profiles:

•    Veterans, 8%
•    Mental Health, 32%
•    Substance, 23%

 

Cost comparisons:

•    Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, $65/night
•    Emergency Room visit, $2,500-$5,000
•    Average charge of hospital bed, $5,000/night
•    Bed at Transitions, $22/night