Stuff-A-Van event to support Columbia homeless services

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The number of people experiencing homelessness across the Midlands continues to climb, reaching just over 1,300 people in 2025, according to the latest Point-in-Time Count covering 13 counties.

Experts say the true total is likely higher, as the annual count captures only those identified on a single night. Of those counted, 63% were residing in Richland County.

Asking for help can be difficult, advocates say, but community support can make a difference.

City of Columbia Homeless Services Project Coordinator Johnasten Cooper joined WIS to discuss an upcoming donation drive in support of World Homeless Day.

Homeless Services Stuff-A-Van will be held Friday, Oct. 9 from 10 am to 2 pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 2300 Greene Street in Columbia.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.