Our History
How We Got Here
Transitions happened because of a community that refused to look away from the problem of homelessness in the Midlands.
The Problem That Sparked a Movement
In 2005, the City of Columbia commissioned the Blueprint to Address Homelessness — a regional ten-year plan accepted by Richland and Lexington counties and the City of Columbia. It called for a comprehensive service and housing program for homeless adults and a coordinated community response to end homelessness in the Midlands.
What followed was years of hearings, site selection committees, neighborhood opposition, and setbacks. In 2006, after two contentious City Council hearings, the regional effort collapsed. The City rejected the proposed site and retreated to a smaller Housing First initiative. The comprehensive vision was dead, or so it seemed.
A Community That Wouldn't Give Up
Frustrated but undeterred, leaders from the business community, faith organizations, and service providers came together independently. They visited programs in Raleigh, Atlanta, Greenville, Charlotte, and Savannah. They studied what worked. They built consensus around what the Midlands was missing: a low-barrier, comprehensive shelter with a Day Center, emergency housing, and a real pathway to permanent housing.
The Salvation Army's closure of its housing program had created an unexpected opportunity, an available site with the right zoning. The Midlands Business Leader Group led the effort to acquire it.
Then the Knight Foundation changed everything, committing $5 million in a challenge grant. The match was raised in just four and a half months through business contributions, foundation grants, government funding, and the faith community. The Midlands Interfaith Homeless Action Council (MIHAC) — known as Light the Way — contributed more than $400,000 alone.
Built by the Community. For the Community.
The Midlands Housing Alliance (MHA) was formally incorporated in 2008, using the existing nonprofit status of SC Cares — an organization originally created to serve Hurricane Katrina evacuees — as its legal foundation. What had begun as a loose coalition of local businesses, faith communities, service providers, and civic organizations now had a formal structure and a singular mission.
On June 15, 2011, Transitions opened its doors at 2025 Main Street in downtown Columbia — originally at 201 beds, growing to 260 by the end of 2012.
What began as a shelter became something far more ambitious: the most comprehensive homeless center in the Midlands, where 50+ partner organizations come together under one roof to walk people from crisis to independence.
Transitions was built as a community effort. Every meal served, every bed filled, and every person housed is proof of what Columbia can do when it comes together around something that matters.
The Transitions Timeline
Growing to Meet the Need
Since opening, Transitions has continued to expand its reach and deepen its services:
2008: The Midlands Housing Alliance (MHA) was formally incorporated, bringing together business leaders, faith communities, service providers, and civic organizations around a shared mission.
2011: Transitions opened its doors on June 15th at 2025 Main Street in downtown Columbia, on the site of the former Golden Eagle Hotel, with 201 beds and an immediate community of support.
2016: Launched the Unaccompanied Youth Program (ages 18–24), creating dedicated housing and services for young adults.
2018: Opened the Career Center with a Department of Employment and Workforce grant, providing job training and employment placement on-site.
2022: Purchased land near Dutch Square for Monarch Manor, a new affordable senior housing development for adults 62 and older.
2024: Opened the first 11 units of Monarch Manor, with additional floors under planning with SC Housing Trust.
Our Mission
Engaging and equipping homeless adults of the Midlands to transition into stability and permanent housing.
Our Vision
End Midlands Homelessness — one person at a time.
Our Core Values
At Transitions, we are far more than just a shelter; we are a home and a community, offering real hope to those who need it most. We are committed to ending homelessness one individual, one family at a time. Our work has taught us that with the right resources and dedicated support, individuals can overcome adversity and not just survive,
Client-First
Every decision starts with what's best for the people we serve.
Integrity
Doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.
Respect
Treating every client, staff member, and volunteer with dignity.
Compassion
Caring for those in need and valuing the worth of every person.
Partnership
Collaborating with community organizations to maximize impact.
Empowermnet
Giving clients the skills and support to overcome barriers and take charge of their futures.
Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home
You don't have to solve homelessness. You just have to show up for one person.
Your gift funds the meals, the case managers, and the second chances that make it possible.