The crisis in affordable housing is growing across the state and the nation. In the Midlands, leaders of organizations such as Homeless No More and Haven Home are joining forces to help solve the problem. But long waiting lists conspire against families, students and the elderly to obtain safe and affordable housing.
Reporters Nick Sullivan and Christine Bartruff wanted to take a deep dive into the issue during the fall of 2021. The result was three in-depth stories that illuminate the human and social cost of failing those who live in poverty.
Among their findings: Three years after the closure of one of Columbia’s largest and oldest public housing projects, former residents still struggle to find apartments that are affordable and free of crime. Please take time to read these stories.
Seniors face rising rent, struggle to balance needs
Barriers to affordable housing force seniors to choose between necessities.
UCS students soft launch the new Finlay Park with sundown concert
The senior Sports Entertainment majors worked all semester to bring their Downtown @ Sundown concert to life.
USC celebrates this year’s Homecoming
For more than a century, though, USC’s festivities weren’t football centered.
Digging deeper into the South Carolina Underground Film Festival
The festival fosters community and collaboration through film, organizers say.
Finlay Park ready for grand reopening
The downtown Columbia park will open Saturday with a ceremony, followed by the Jam Room Music Festival.
Columbia unites to celebrate Korean culture
Families of all backgrounds ate, danced and learned the customs of Koreans at the Korean festival.
Manhattan Pie brings a taste of New York to Columbia
The new restaurant sells big slices for low prices.
PAALS brings hope, healing to the Midlands
The organization trains service dogs to help those with a variety of disabilities.
Homeless No More keeps families together while helping them rebuild
At Homeless No more, families experiencing crisis find more than a place to sleep; they find stability, community and a chance to rebuild their lives. The organization operates two shelters: the St. Lawerence Place transitional shelter, where families can stay up to...
18th annual Greek Trick-or-Treat
USC’s Greek Village hosted its 18th annual Trick-or-Treat event on Tuesday, Oct. 28, welcoming families from across Columbia for a night filled with candy, costumes and community spirit. The event gives local children a safe place to celebrate Halloween while allowing...
