As we reviewed our 2023 service statistics, we were overwhelmed with gratitude for the amount of work that was done and the number of people who helped make it possible.

Click the button below to view the full report:

There are some very large numbers in this report. They may cause your eyes to widen in surprise (or glaze over as they are just too much to take in).

• 4,837 requests for assistance
• 195,314 views on our online information library
• 2,541 adults enrolled in programs
• 3,451 Side by Side coaching sessions
• $111,637 saved and debt paid by Extra Mile financial coaching participants
• 4,575 hotel nights of emergency/temporary shelter to families and medically fragile
• $871,542 provided in strategic financial assistance

There are smaller numbers in the report that reveal more of the human impact. We hope they fill your hearts with joy.

• 302 unhoused families moved into permanent housing
• 617 families were prevented from eviction
• 113 people were helped to find jobs or better jobs
• 218 car repairs were provided to low income workers
• 34 people were provided no interest loans to pay off high interest debt
• 22 people were provided no interest loans to help purchase a car to get to work
• 155 families were provided furnishings for their homes
• 47 families were helped to move belongings they would have otherwise lost
• 17 families without transportation received donated cars

Together, we relieved stress, gave hope, and guided people to new possibilities. One act of kindness and generosity after another added up to thousands of our neighbors being loved forward.

As one client recently told us, “I was lost when I walked in your front door. Now I have hope, direction, and the support system I need.”



Thank you for joining the work of Team Love,

What's New at Love Columbia in 2024

RentWell

Love Columbia’s path to becoming an informed and preferred renter who is equipped to manage rental responsibilities.

RentWell is a five-part class designed to educate you for rental success. Topics include: What do landlords want? Can I afford it? Where can I find a rental? Where can I get legal help if needed? As well as information on maintenance, safety, communication, who’s responsible and more.

For more information or to enroll in RentWell, email referral@lovecolumbia.org and mention that you are interested in the RentWell class.

Pictured above our RentWell team: William, Kelli, and Lori

Living on a Fixed Income

Love Columbia announces “Living on a Fixed Income” a new monthly educational support group. The group will meet every second Thursday from 2:00-3:00PM in the Love Columbia Community Room and include a Zoom option for those who want to join remotely. Each meeting will include: 

• Money saving skill or tip (guest presenters)
• Information about community resources and free/low cost activities
• Opportunity to meet and share with others  

These fun events will give you new information to stretch your dollars, support  for the journey, and friends who can relate to your situation! To RSVP, email clairev@lovecolumbia.org or call (573) 256-7662 ext. 160. We hope to see you there!

Pictured above our Living on a Fixed Income team: Sara, Michelle, and Claire

Good Dads

We started our first Good Dads 16-week parenting course in January and have 14 active participants. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for Good Dads parenting or healthy relationships courses contact:  gooddads@lovecolumbia.org

Pictured above, a Good Dads Facilitator Training at Love Columbia

At the Intersection of Needs & Resources

Love Tech

LoveTech, which was started in November 2021, has since given away 65 refurbished computers in 2023 to our clients and other local nonprofits. Thank you to all those who have donated computers to make this possible. 

Pictured above, Love Columbia client receiving a printer alongside Love Tech staff, Jack

Columbia Police Department

Earlier this month, Chief Jill Schlude, Sgt. Sean Dutton, Ofc. Chris Williams and Community Service Aide Bryce Robinson visited Love Columbia to drop off a play kitchen for our Healthy Homes and Tables program. The play kitchen was purchased with funds donated by officers and professional support staff at Columbia Police Department. 

Pictured above, Love Columbia staff and Columbia Police Department staff