Hope was first to go. Then came fear and despair, before – perhaps worst of all – acceptance. Days turned into weeks, then months, then years. Homelessness had become a habit for Mr. Green. Then hope came calling.
When Rapid Shelter Columbia opened more than a year ago, it was the first community of its kind in the Southeast. The idea was simple: Restore dignity 64-square-feet at a time. Rapid Shelter Columbia is a cluster of 50 specially designed pallet units where each individual gets their own private space, bed and storage.
The shelter is temporary, with residents staying just three months. As it turns out, that was exactly what Mr. Green and others like him needed to break the grip of homelessness. He has now moved out of Rapid Shelter Columbia and into a permanent place of his own.
Mr. Green says this accomplishment is thanks to the people: City of Columbia personal case managers and community partners. Mr. Green was able to access alcohol and drug recovery services, support groups and restore his faith. Now, Mr. Green hopes for others. He wants to share his story so more people can see beyond their current situations – as impossible as that might seem.
We would love to work with you on a story about Rapid Shelter Columbia, and the people who have been benefited from this innovative program.
We are linking here to a press kit and can coordinate additional assets, interviews and context: https://rapidshelter.columbiasc.gov/press-kit/
View Mr. Green telling part of his story here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FQEKjIjcO54
