News Summary
Columbia, S.C. is facing a significant spike in shelter demand due to extreme winter weather, with local shelters reaching full capacity. The community is rallying together to support vulnerable residents through record-breaking numbers seeking refuge from plummeting temperatures, while authorities actively provide transportation to ensure safety for those in need. Volunteers are essential during this challenging time, with shelters calling for donations of essential items to assist the unhoused as temperatures drop.
Columbia Shelters Overwhelmed as Extreme Winter Weather Hits
Columbia, S.C. is experiencing a challenging winter as the demand for housing increases dramatically, thanks to recent snow and plummeting temperatures. With the city’s shelters hitting full capacity, authorities are stepping up to make sure that no one is left out in the cold.
Record-Breaking Nights at Local Shelters
The winter shelter in Columbia is bursting at the seams. On one recent night, the crowd at the Columbia Overflow Shelter was the largest seen in years, with around 214 people seeking refuge from the bitter cold. This number smashed the previous record of 189 set earlier in the year. The urgency for shelter is evident as health experts caution that exposure to these dangerously low temperatures poses significant risks to vulnerable individuals.
To tackle this pressing situation, Columbia police officers have been actively transporting individuals to shelters during the most severe weather conditions. Normally, bus services to the shelter would kick off at 5:45 p.m., but with the weather getting worse, transportation adjustments were made, leading the last bus to leave as early as 4:00 p.m. on some nights. This proactive approach ensures that those in need can find warmth and safety amidst the icy conditions.
Comfort Come Rain, Snow, or Shine
The Overflow Shelter at Rapid Shelter Columbia is primarily open during the cold months, but when severe weather strikes, additional rooms are enlisted to accommodate the rising numbers. During a brisk snowstorm, 90 individuals found solace there, enjoying hot meals, warm showers, and a safe space to sleep.
Providing more than just a room for the night, the overflow shelter partners with the Salvation Army to offer a hearty hot dinner and a continental breakfast, along with warm showers to ensure everyone is taken care of. During this harsh winter, the necessity for these services has never been clearer.
Volunteer Efforts and Community Support
Even during these tough times, volunteers play a crucial role in the operations of local shelters. However, poor road conditions during the storm made it difficult for many to reach the shelters. There is always a call for more helping hands, particularly when demand surges like it has recently. Individuals interested in helping out can reach out to local shelters to see how they can contribute, be it through their time or through donations.
Speaking of donations, shelters in Columbia are currently in dire need of essential items like clothing, backpacks, and hygiene products. Every little bit helps those who are seeking warmth and security in these frigid temperatures.
A Broader Look at Shelter Needs
In addition to the Overflow Shelter, Harbor House is another local haven that offers refuge for over 50 residents, providing beds, food, and water. Their cold cot program offers a safe bed for those needing shelter when temperatures dip below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Room at the Inn has also increased capacity in anticipation of winter storms, providing 95 cots that have filled to capacity over the weekend, often resulting in people being turned away.
This pressing need for shelter is reflected in statistics that show at least 270 unhoused individuals in Boone County as of 2023. As the temperature continues to drop, the demand for essential services is expected to keep rising, and Columbia’s shelters are stepping up to ensure that no one has to face the harsh winter alone.
As the cold weather continues to grip the area, Columbia is a shining example of community spirit, endeavoring to support some of the most vulnerable residents in their time of need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winter Storm Warning Hits Columbia, SC
Lexington County Braces for Winter Wonderland Woes
Winter Weather Advisory Hits South Carolina
Columbia Takes Action Against Rising Homelessness in 2025
Winter Weather Alert for South Carolina: Brace for Icy Conditions!
Winter Storm Warning Issued for Midlands Region
Cold Weather Shelters Open in the Midlands
Columbia Tackles Rising Homelessness
Columbia Faces Icy Conditions After Recent Winter Storm
Columbia Prepares for 2025 Homeless Count – Volunteers Needed
Additional Resources
- WACH: Columbia’s Overflow Shelter Houses Record 214
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- ABC Columbia: City of Columbia’s Overflow Shelter Open
- Google Search: Columbia winter shelter
- KRCG TV: Columbia Overnight Shelters See Surge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shelter
- WLTX: Rapid Overflow Shelter Winter Weather
- Google News: Columbia overflow shelter
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
