Homeless Services Ad Hoc Committee — Columbia, SC
Date: 2025-09-18
Time: 13:00

HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025


The Homeless Services Adhoc Committee will conduct a meeting on
Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's
Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201.
Members of the public may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov.
Please contact  the City Clerk’s  Office at (803)545-3045 or
cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable William Brennan, District III
 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large
 The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. April 8, 2025 Homeless Services Adhoc Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Update on Homeless Services Blueprint - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW,
 Director of Homeless Services

COMMUNITY PARTNER PRESENTATION

3. Citizens for Accountability on Homelessness - Mr. Andy Burns

EXECUTIVE SESSION

4. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client
 privilege pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Homeless Services

ADJOURNMENT




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HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025


The Homeless Services Adhoc Committee will conduct a meeting on
Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's
Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, SC 29201.
Members of the public may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov.
Please contact  the City Clerk’s  Office at (803)545-3045 or
cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this meeting.

 The Honorable William Brennan, District III
 The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large ▪ The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large

CALL TO ORDER

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. April 8, 2025 Homeless Services Adhoc Committee Meeting Minutes

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Update on Homeless Services Blueprint - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW,
 Director of Homeless Services

COMMUNITY PARTNER PRESENTATION

3. Citizens for Accountability on Homelessness - Mr. Andy Burns

EXECUTIVE SESSION

4. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client
 privilege pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Homeless Services

ADJOURNMENT




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 1




MEETING DATE: September 18, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: April 8, 2025 Homeless Services Adhoc Committee
 Meeting Minutes
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:


ATTACHMENTS:
 • #a: HSAC_MN_040825 (DOCX)




Updated: 9/17/2025 9:47 AM Page 1
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 HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025


CALL TO ORDER

The Homeless Services Ad Hoc Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, April 8,
2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South
Carolina 29201. The Honorable Will Brennan, Chair called the meeting to order at
1:01 p.m.

Attendee Name Title Status
Will Brennan Chair Present
Aditi Bussells Member Present
Tyler D. Bailey Member Present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. January 7, 2025 Committee Meeting Minutes - Approved

Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to approve the January 7, 2025 Committee Meeting Minutes.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager thanked City Council members for their leadership
and participation with the Point in Time Count.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

2. Update on Recommendations from the Taskforce to Prevent and End
 Homelessness Report - The Honorable Aditi Bussells

Dr. Bussells provided an update on recommendations from the 2022 Taskforce to
Prevent and End Homelessness, which focused on addressing the needs of chronically
unsheltered individuals, especially older adults or those no longer eligible for other
services. A third party categorized available resources and most recommendations
have been implemented. The City of Columbia applied those recommendations with
opening the Overflow Shelter during emergencies and developing Rapid Shelter
Columbia. There has been collaboration with community partners to strengthen
support for the unsheltered population.




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 HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025


Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services reported that the City
of Columbia is a member of the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH),
with staff member Nyasia Franklin serving on the MACH Board and others joining
various committees. The city has partnered with Christ Central at Hope Plaza for a
coordinated meal-sharing program, which is financially supported by the city and
remains non-religious. This partnership enables other service providers to offer
additional resources.

There was discussion about the benefits of the collaboration with Christ Central;
development of Homeless Services; and identifying additional funding opportunities
through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

3. Point-in-Time Count Summary – Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of
 Homeless Services – Received as information.

Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services explained that United
Way of the Midlands and MACH are separate entities, with MACH serving as a funding
source for the Continuum of Care. She shared data from the Point in Time Count,
which covered 13 counties. HUD will release the data with further explanations. The
count recorded 1,423 people experiencing homelessness, including 334 chronically
unsheltered, 760 with disabling conditions, 132 veterans, and 198 survivors of
domestic violence. However, some areas like downtown Columbia and rural regions
may not be fully represented in the numbers.

There was discussion about partnering with neighboring local governments; an
increase in chronic homelessness; and access to data as MACH members.

There was consensus of the committee to receive follow up from staff about best
practices for data driven application.

4. Operational Update and Recommendations – Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW,
 Director of Homeless Services

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager shared that funding for homelessness has nearly
reached $4 million, with $1 million from the general fund and the rest from American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Almost $500,000 has been allocated for opioid-related
initiatives. She emphasized that partnerships are crucial to making continued
progress.




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 HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025


Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services shared that the action
plan to allocate $1 million began in 2012 and remained unchanged until a director of
homeless services was hired. We are currently conducting a thorough review of all
services to determine the most suitable options for implementation.

There was a discussion about funds given towards Homeless Services ten years ago
in comparison to today; allocation of funds amidst governmental uncertainties;
innovative forms of funding; and HUD secretary’s ideas to better serve communities.

5. Homeless Services Blueprint and Next Steps - The Honorable Will Brennan –
 Received as information

Councilor Brennan recommended bringing in a nationally recognized consultant to
evaluate how the city and county can best support the unsheltered population, even
with current budget constraints.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager confirmed that a consultant will be hired to conduct
an assessment and provide actionable recommendations. The selection process is
expected to conclude by June, with the program set to launch in July and run through
January.

Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services outlined a strategic
blueprint for the next six to twelve months. In June, the city will revamp the corridor
initiative as a pilot program, supported by a dedicated community liaison who will
monitor partner involvement and coordinate intake efforts. The program will officially
launch in July, with a strong focus on transparent communication with stakeholders.
In August, the consultant will present their findings, which will inform the
development of a strategic plan. By November, Homeless Services will begin
implementing the consultant’s recommendations.

There was discussion about the need to define expectations for the consultant during
the procurement process; the importance of transparency; pilot program
development; and the necessity of bringing in an expert consultant to guide long-
term planning and implementation.




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 HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
 TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025


EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee
voted unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 1:52 p.m. for the discussion of
Item 6.

6. Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered by attorney-client privilege
 pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 • Homeless Services

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC
City Clerk




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MEETING DATE: September 18, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Update on Homeless Services Blueprint - Ms.
 Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless
 Services
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/15/2025 2:52 PM Page 1
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MEETING DATE: September 18, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Citizens for Accountability on Homelessness - Mr.
 Andy Burns
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:




Updated: 9/15/2025 2:55 PM Page 1
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 4




MEETING DATE: September 18, 2025

DEPARTMENT: City Clerk

FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk

SUBJECT: Receipt of legal advice relating to matters covered
 by attorney-client privilege pursuant to S.C. Code
 §30-4-70(a)(2)
FUNDING SOURCE &
ORIGINAL BUDGET:

PURPOSE:
Homeless Services




Updated: 9/15/2025 2:46 PM Page 1
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