About:

Since our inception in Columbia over 3 years ago, Midtown has felt a powerful, continuous call to serve the homeless within our community. According to the homeless count of 2005, 1,753 homeless men and women lived in Columbia, SC on any given day.  In our efforts to change and impact this statistic, in November 2007, over 700 people “became homeless” for one night and slept outside, without the comforts of shelter to Represent One of the 1,753. In November 2008 we continued in the fight with the second Homeless for the Homeless, 500 people slept outside in record below-freezing weather raising over $15,000 to further serve our community.  In conjunction with the City of Columbia’s Project Homeless Connect over 300 homeless received the benefits of clothing donations, haircuts, foot care and job training. Our goal for this year’s Homeless for the Homeless is to challenge our community to Shut Down the Streets that house our homeless. We again are calling our community to “become homeless” for one night to continue to raise awareness on a serious issue facing our city.

 

Our Goal:
To advocate for a solution to homelessness in Columbia by:

1. Raising community awareness.

2. Highlighting the love of Jesus and His heart for the marginalized and oppressed.

3. Bringing the community together in one, large multidisciplinary event to enhance knowledge and bring about change for the homeless. 

4. Providing educational, recreational and spiritual services for the community and homeless alike.

5. Relationally connecting with the homeless to give love and support.

 

F A Q
1. Will the homeless be at the event? No and yes.
No, the homeless will not be sleeping out with us because our desire is that the homeless have warm shelter. Therefore, we will be directing them to the emergency shelters for the evening.
Yes, we are inviting and transporting the homeless to the block party that we will be holding the next morning. Our goal is to effect change while fostering an atmosphere of family and community.
2. Is the location secure? Yes. The entire site will be enclosed with temporary fencing and  we will have security (off duty police officers) onsite.
3. What should I bring? Participants are asked only to bring sleeping bags and basic necessities.
Basic necessities include the following: warm clothing (gloves, stocking cap, layered clothing, thick socks), toiletries (toothpaste and toothbrush--bathrooms are onsite)
Basic necessities do not include the following: tents, air mattresses, electronic devices (iPod, CD player, laptop, portable DVD player). We are asking you to be homeless for a night, not comfortable.
4. Can I participate in only one part of the event? Yes, but ideally we prefer for people to be committed to the entire event. However, if you cannot attend all parts of the event, register for only what is most convenient in your schedule.
5. Is food provided at the event? Friday night snacks will be provided, but there will will be no formal meal. Participants will be given breakfast and lunch on Saturday. If you have special dietary needs we ask that you bring your own food.
6. Are kids allowed? It depends. Families have attended Homeless for the Homeless in the past and we encourage families to come this year. Please note that we do not provide childcare and the event is geared toward an adult population. Youth groups attended last year and are welcome again this year. There must be a five to one adult to kid ratio in each group.
7. May I bring outside food and drink? No. All food and drink that you will need for Friday night and Saturday morning will be provided.
8. Can I attend if I am unable to pay for registration? Yes. If you cannot cover the cost of registration, please contact Allen Tipping.

If you plan to attend Homeless for the Homeless, we ask that you bring a donation from the following list:

  • close toed shoes
  • pants for men
  • stuffed animals (carriable)
  • sweaters
  • hoodies
  • jackets
  • bookbags
  • sleeping bags and blankets
  • scarves
  • gloves
  • hats/beanies
  • socks
Further Questions: Contact Allen Tipping at 803-760-3234.