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Homelessness

Missouri River Regional Library sees decline in homeless patrons thanks to increased social service resources

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)The Missouri River Regional Library says it’s made strides in better helping homeless people thanks to collaborative efforts within the community. Library director Claudia Young has been at the Missouri River Regional Library for 29 years and tells ABC 17 News that the building served as a warming center for as long

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Some homeless people struggle with shelter access amid Columbia bus route challenges

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) With dangerously cold temperatures sweeping through the region, warming shelters across mid-Missouri have opened their doors Thursday night.  According to data from the Boone County Coalition to End Homelessness, more than 400 people in Boone County are considered homeless. As temperatures dipped into the teens in Columbia, dozens of people lined up

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Voluntary Action Center announces additional funding for $18.6 million Opportunity Campus project

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) On GivingTuesday, the Voluntary Action Center announced it has been awarded a $745,400 challenge grant award from the Mabee Foundation to support The Opportunity Campus project. The project is being built along Business Loop 70 and Bowling Street in central Columbia to support transitional services for the homeless population in Boone County.

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Jefferson City Taskforce on Homelessness raises concerns on lack of resources

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) During the second Jefferson City Taskforce on Homelessness meeting Thursday, members discussed critical gaps in available resources for those experiencing homelessness. The taskforce — whose creation was approved by the Jefferson City Council in June — brings together various groups such as law enforcement, community recreation, legal professionals and resources like

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Columbia Housing Authority awarded $6,300 from federal government to combat veteran homelessness

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced in a Thursday press release that it is awarding an additional $20 million to help combat veteran homelessness across 43 states. HUD is awarding $197,618 to Missouri from the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. The funding is broken down between eight areas across

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Project Homeless Connect links dozens with resources in Columbia as homeless population grows

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) On Thursday, Project Homeless Connect linked dozens of people with homeless resources in Columbia. According to the Boone County Coalition to End Homelessness, as of July 8, there were 379 people experiencing homelessness in the county. Data from July 2023 shows 231 people were experiencing homeless a year prior. According to the

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Columbia introduces DIVERT Program, Homeless Outreach Team to help connect people with social programs

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia on Wednesday formally introduced its DIVERT Program and Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to the public. The program and HOT are aimed at weaving social services into the city’s public safety and justice system. According to Human Services Manager Steve Hollis, of the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human

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Columbia Parks and Rec to clear out homeless encampment on Monday; year-round shelter doesn’t expect to see increased occupancy

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia is expected to begin clearing out a homeless encampment on Monday, according to a sign posted near the site. The encampment is located in a wooded area near Old 63 and Broadway. According to the sign, Parks and Recreation will conduct the clean-up, and asked for personal belongings

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Jefferson City police, city officials noticing more homeless individuals in city

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Jefferson City is experiencing an increase in its homeless population, according to Jefferson City Police Department Lt. David Williams. Williams said he believed the up-tick stems from the individuals moving to Jefferson City from Columbia, after homeless encampments were cleared throughout the city. Homeless encampments have been cleared out in wooded

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Columbia and Boone County leaders considering tiny homes for potential shelter option in Mid-Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia and Boone County leaders are learning more about tiny homes and what they could look like in Mid-Missouri. A city spokesperson said 10 city leaders visited Eden Village last week, a tiny home community in Springfield, Missouri. The group included City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, Police Chief Jill Schlude and Housing and

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