homelessness

City officials say the goal is to connect those experiencing homelessness with resources, like housing. The plan would create an Encampment Task Force that includes police and representatives from the city's health, human services, streets and emergency departments.

The funds will go to 17 community organizations across Missouri, including Columbia's Welcome Home organization.

VAC Opportunity Campus fills nearly 150 beds each night, director said. Most clients are local, and many are getting sober.

The bill prohibits following people, blocking the road or approaching someone in an intimidating way to ask for money. It also bars people from soliciting on a public bus, near a bank, on private property and at night.

The proposed ordinance is intended to clarify where people downtown are allowed to sleep outdoors, said Nickie Davis, executive director of The District.

Local advocates want to use new, hyperlocal data about Columbia’s homeless population to advocate for policy changes. They say the data confirms what they were already hearing.

Seventy businesses and organizations have co-signed The District's letter asking Columbia leaders to address the city's "urban camping" problem.

Waypoint was designed to accommodate a significant number of people who need a consistent place to overnight in Columbia.

A new steering committee that was formed July 1st plans to address homelessness issue in Columbia