Area CLERGY are asked to give an emphasis to this community need in services both Sundays and encourage your laity to begin organizing an activity for the week. Your presence at the KICKOFF will highlight the teachings of the sacred texts of most all religions about caring for the neighbor (none of them say the "rich" neighbor or the "housed" neighbor).

• About 1,300 children and youth were homeless in Richland School District 1 during the 2006-07 year.
• Approximately 1,800 men and women are homeless in Richland and Lexington Counties.
• 61% of Richland County homeless people surveyed report living in Richland County when they became homeless.
• 26% of homeless people have a full-time job and 14% have a part-time job. 47% are looking for work. 
• Currently there is inadequate shelter for the downtown, street population.
• Oliver Gospel Mission offers housing and services, but space is limited compared to need. Salvation Army offers services, but closed its shelter in March 2007 due to mold in the building. The City's shelters are only open in winter.
• The Blueprint to Address Homelessness describes strategies such as: a year-round shelter with services, increasing affordable housing options, and prevention.

Stats from the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless 2005 Count and Richland School District #1

Richland County

Salvation Army (765-0260)

Catholic Charities (254-9776)

Family Shelter (771-7040)

Oliver Gospel Mission (254-6470)

City of Columbia (240-9493)

Richland School District #1 (231-6745) (children's socks and underwear)

Lexington County

Sistercare (765-9428)

Mission of Hope (939-1747)

Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS) (957-6656)