COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Rapid Shelter Columbia staff and residents joined together with City of Columbia leaders to recognize the Calhoun street location’s 2nd birthday. The center remains dedicated to helping those who are unhoused find a permanent home and live a self-sufficient lifestyle. Former resident Matt Kummer, who now has a permanent home, expressed his gratitude for Rapid Shelter Columbia during the ceremony. “I can’t express to you what a great feeling it was to have a key and have a Pallet house. I hadn’t had my own home in so long and there was a power in that. It was something I could call mine, it was really a very touching and moving experience for me,” Kummer says. Awards were also given out to community partners for their collaboration and commitment to overcoming barriers and creating positive change for those in need. “It was really wonderful to see people come together and really reflect on how much progress we’ve made the last two years. I shared today that as of today one of our employees was actually late to the celebration because he was helping a resident sign a lease. We have permanently housed 71 individuals and I’m very proud of that number,” says Councilwoman Dr. Aditi Bussells. That employee was Case Manager Jalen Loney. While the facility offers a number of resources and services to its 50 residents including addiction counseling, therapy, and housing placement, Loney says the change has to come from within. “It’s more of a mental connection because we see the drug abuse, we see the mental traumas going on firsthand. I see it everyday. I answer the phone, one phone call can change a person’s life. So you actually see it more hands on and you can see the change. Sometimes we can’t change everyone unless they’re ready so when they’re ready we have open arms and help them on their way,” says Loney. To make a referral to Rapid Shelter Columbia, the website says the first attempt to submit a referral should go through an outreach team person at any provider agency, such as MIRCI, Transitions, PRISMA Health, USC Supportive Housing, etc. You can contact the City of Columbia’s contracted Outreach Team for any of your unsheltered needs: Lead Outreach Specialist Alycia Roach, LMSW 803-467-0411 Evening Outreach Specialist Larry Benjamin 803-363-4581 And currently, if you are unable to reach an outreach provider, you can submit a referral to Nyasia Franklin, City of Columbia Homeless Services Project Manager. Ms. Franklin, MSCJ can be reached at (803)545-3476; [email protected]. Categories: Local News, News Tags: Dr. Aditi Bussells, homelessness, Jalen Loney, Matt Kummer, Rapid Shelter Columbia