COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 18, 2025) – As summer temperatures rise across the Midlands, Transitions Homeless Center has launched Operation HEAT, a summer safety initiative designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness stay safe, hydrated, and cool.
Operation H.E.A.T. (Heat Engagement and Assistance Time) is Transitions’ summer outreach effort, running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this critical period, the focus is on protecting individuals experiencing homelessness from extreme heat by providing consistent access to water, ice, shade, air conditioning, showers, and meals.
“Extreme heat can be just as dangerous as extreme cold,” said Craig Currey, CEO of Transitions. “Many people don’t realize how quickly heat exhaustion or dehydration can happen when you’re living outdoors. This effort is about keeping people safe and showing them that they’re not forgotten.”
Clients are encouraged to utilize the Transitions’ Day Center, giving them ongoing access to an air-conditioned indoor space during the hottest hours. In addition to cool air, they can access drinking water, automatic ice machines, meals, and more.
But the Day Center is far more than a place to escape the heat. It is the nerve center of Transitions’ work and the starting point for stability. It is where individuals experiencing homelessness come not only to meet basic needs, but also to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
The Day Center provides a broad range of critical services, including:
- Ice, water, and restrooms
- Hot meals served daily
- Clean clothing and hygiene supplies
- Access to showers and laundry facilities
- A library and computer lab
- Creative outlets like art classes and workshops
- Help accessing financial assistance and benefits
- Case management, counseling, and referrals to housing programs
Transitions serves more than 3,400 individuals each year, providing emergency shelter, meals, case management, and a pathway to permanent housing.
“We want people to know they’re welcome to come in, take a break from the heat, and take care of themselves,” said Shanice Bligen, vice president of programs at Transitions. “A safe, cool space can be the first step toward stability.”
How to help
Community members can support Operation Heat by donating bottled water, reusable water bottles, hats, sunscreen, or cooling towels. These items go directly to people in need.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Transitions Homeless Center.
For more information or to donate, visit https://transitionssc.org/.
About Midlands Housing Alliance
Midlands Housing Alliance operates Transitions Homeless Center, the largest and most comprehensive provider of homeless services in the Midlands. Since its opening in 2011, Transitions has served over 30,000 individuals, delivered more than 2.7 million meals, and assisted over 4,050 people in transitioning to permanent housing. The shelter provides low-barrier shelter, meals, hygiene services, medical care, case management, and specialized programs for youth, veterans, and aging adults. In 2024, MHA opened Monarch Manor, an affordable housing complex featuring ADA-compliant studio apartments for the Elderly.
Media Contact:
Transitions
transitions@transitionssc.org
(803) 708-4861