Literacy SC launches job skills program at Columbia’s largest homeless center

On Monday, August 18, Literacy SC will launch Road to Work, a new job readiness program for adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Held on-site at Transitions Homeless Center in downtown Columbia, the class meets twice a week and runs year round.

Offered at no cost to participants, Road to Work targets essential building blocks of employment—how to identify a sustainable job match, fill out applications, prepare for interviews, and stay focused when life feels stacked against you. The program’s ultimate goal is to boost income and housing stability for as many individuals as possible.

“There’s a powerful misconception that people experiencing homelessness don’t even want to work,” said Ryan Munn, Literacy SC instructor and a USC graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. “But in reality, most do. They just need someone to walk with them, not ahead of them. This class will help them rebuild confidence and self-trust while gaining necessary skills to land a job.”

Meeting a Growing Need with Local Strength

The program’s launch comes at a time of urgent need. National homelessness has surged to record levels, with more than 770,000 Americans experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024—an 18% increase from the year prior. Family homelessness jumped 39%, and more than 150,000 children under 18 were affected. In South Carolina, rising housing costs and the expiration of pandemic-era safety nets have left many others one paycheck away from crisis.

Yet national data estimates that over 25% of homeless adults are already employed. Motivation isn’t as much of an issue as access to living wages, stable addresses, transportation, and job search support.

By locating Road to Work inside Transitions, the Midlands’ largest homeless center, Literacy SC is removing key logistical barriers to employment. Participants don’t need to travel nor navigate systems built for people with stable housing. They simply show up and begin learning.

Data-Driven and Trauma-Informed

Road to Work draws on a strong body of national and state-level research showing that shelter-based workforce programs significantly improve employment outcomes and housing stability. Various other initiatives have demonstrated that soft skills training and direct hiring support within shelters lead to sustained job placement and reduced reliance on emergency services.

The program is also designed with trauma in mind. Adults who’ve experienced housing instability often carry layers of hidden loss, discrimination, and emotional strain. For that reason, Road to Work is rooted in dignity, structure, and human connection. It builds confidence as much as resumes.

“We believe every person deserves the chance to build a life they’re proud of,” said Lisa Cole, CEO of Literacy SC. “This program will help people find their footing again, at a moment when they need it most. Our Columbia is stronger when no one is left behind.”

Volunteers Can Help

Volunteer assistants will help the program instructor setup for class, greet and enroll learners, pass out materials, and support those just getting started.

Additionally, Literacy SC’s free Turning Pages Reading Lab is also available twice weekly for all residents of Transitions Homeless Center. It is taught by Belinda McEachern. Volunteers are needed to assist instructors in both classes.

Volunteers can sign up to help with the class at literacysc.org/point.