Dozens show up to hear councilman’s presentation on homelessness in Columbia
Mitchell Kaminski
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Dozens of Columbia residents gathered at Fairview Community of Christ Church on Thursday evening to learn more about the city’s response to homelessness and housing challenges during a public presentation hosted by Ward 4 Councilman Nick Foster.
Attendees included Public Health Planner Carter Stephenson, Housing and Neighborhood Services Director Leigh Kottwitz and Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude.
Recent data shows homelessness in Boone County is up from a few years ago. In 2019, there were 268 people in the county experiencing homelessness, compared to 323 in 2024. The average age of a homeless individual in the county is 45, with reported ages ranging from 17-87.
Despite the growing need, shelter bed capacity has remained relatively flat, increasing slightly from 267 beds in 2019 to 293 in 2024. However, in 2024 there were 30 more reported homeless people in Boone County than beds available.
However according to Stephenson, the true extent of homelessness may be underreported. Stephenson says that not everyone experiencing homelessness is registered with the Homeless Management Information System. He added that many families with children may also avoid seeking help, out of fear of losing custody.
In response, the City of Columbia has expanded its efforts to address homelessness. Initiatives include:
Establishing a contract with Turning Point to operate an overnight shelter and adjusting the temperature threshold for emergency shelter access to include nights more than 75 degrees and lower than 25 degrees.
Increasing funding for Room at the Inn to allow year-round operation.
Contracting with AAAAChange, LLC for homeless street outreach and case management.
Launching a mobile shower trailer program, currently operating at the Ashley Street pavilion.
Allocating $600,000 in utility assistance funding in the fiscal year 2023 city budget.
The city’s investment in homeless services has grown significantly, rising from $68,200 in 2016 to $1,044,435 in 2024. In addition, the Columbia Police Department maintains a homeless outreach team, with two officers dedicated to addressing homeless-related concerns.
Despite these efforts, city staff and advocates say more resources are needed. Priorities include expanding shelter capacity with a 24/7 low-barrier drop-in center, establishing a family shelter, and providing public restrooms accessible around the clock.
The Columbia Police Department also now has two officers assigned specifically to its homeless outreach team.
I’m just being honest we get complaints about folks who are in areas that are private property where they shouldn’t be and so they go out and try to connect them to services, figure out do they have medical needs, housing needs mental health issues,” Schlude said during the meeting.
Ongoing prevention efforts are also a focus, with calls for increased rent and utility assistance, incentives for landlords to rent to low-income tenants, and greater access to affordable housing and mental health services.