I am a resident of Columbia, South Carolina, deeply affected by the growing crisis of homelessness and poverty in our community. It's not just an abstract issue; it's a daily reality that impacts us all. We need to take action now.

In 2020 alone, over 1,500 individuals were reported homeless in our city (source: United Way of the Midlands). This is not just a statistic; these are our neighbors and friends who are struggling daily to find shelter and basic services.

In 2013, Columbia was featured in a New York Times article that declared the city was evicting people experiencing homelessness from view after the city council tentatively approved discussing moving the homeless shelter TRANSITIONS up to 15 miles away from downtown. Rickenmann, too, has previously shared the view that the city's homeless services need to be relocated. This means that it would be impossible for those who are relocated 15 miles outside of the city to receive the services they may be in need of... We are talking about people who may be suffering from a mental illness or have a severe medical condition such as being unable to walk and may need the assistance of a  wheelchair to help them to make their appointments in a timely manner... Being relocated 15 miles outside of the city, not only causes a inconvenience on everyone, but it is an act of displacing people from their home, being Columbia South Carolina. This is also a statement from the Mayor and the City Council that they are unwilling to invest into the lives of the people of Columbia, and instead push us away as if We are not people who deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.

Our proposal is simple yet impactful - secure funding to establish more transitional facilities for the homeless. These facilities will provide more than just shelter; they will offer individualized services catering to each person’s unique needs. This includes job training programs, mental health support, addiction recovery resources and other essential services that can empower them towards self-sufficiency.

By investing in transitional facilities, we're not only addressing immediate needs but also working towards long-term solutions. We're providing a stepping stone for those who have fallen on hard times so they can regain their footing and rebuild their lives.

We urge local government officials and relevant stakeholders in Columbia to prioritize this funding as an urgent matter of public interest. Let's show compassion for those less fortunate among us by providing them with the tools they need to rise above their current circumstances.

Together we can make a difference. Sign this petition today if you believe everyone deserves access to basic human rights like shelter and personal growth opportunities. 

I want to thank all of you who have signed this petition so far and urge more people to become involved and be a voice for those of Us who are still homeless and suffering. I'm proud to say that We have over 300 petitions signed and counting!!! We will keep fighting and holding those accountable  for intentionally neglecting the men, women and children of Columbia, South Carolina...