Hope for Career Advancement and Housing Security 

Whether you are starting your career or trying to meet the needs of a growing family, it is harder than ever to earn enough money to cover today’s housing costs. Read our updated comparison of wages and housing costs: Does Your Job Pay Enough?

To help our neighbors face the challenges of our current times, Love Columbia offers career and housing coaching and a variety of supportive services. So far in 2024, we have:



• Helped 119 people get jobs or better jobs.
• Helped 172 households secure rental housing and 12 buy their first home. 
• Hosted our first hiring fair that welcomed 73 job seekers. 
• Launched our Employment Opportunity Fund to provide basic essentials for career coaching participants actively seeking better jobs.

Additional reading, "More of America’s homeless are clocking into jobs each day" from the Washington Post, published July 28, 2024.

On August 22, we will launch weekly Growth Mindset classes to promote the soft skills and confidence needed for career success. Read more about our four module course that will continuously repeat on Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the flyer below.

On August 28, we are hosting our Pre-Homeownership housing class at Love Columbia from 5:30-6:30 PM. Join us to learn about the steps you can take to become financially ready to buy a home. Read more about the class in the flyer below.

Not The Person I Was

Antonio came to Love Columbia seeking rent assistance after being laid off a construction job. Since that first connection, he has participated in career and credit building coaching and completed Good Dads parenting and healthy relationships courses. He secured temporary employment and is in the hiring process with City of Columbia, after connecting with them at our job fair.

“I called for help with rent, and the person asked me if I’d also be interested in any career coaching," Antonio said. "I’m happy I wasn’t close minded and only wanting financial support because a rent check would have just been for one month. I would have missed out on all the amazing programs and friendships here, much more valuable than one month of rent. I always tell people, if they are in trouble they need to check out Love Columbia. They’ve become like my extended family. They did help me out with rent, but after I got my job, I was able to sustain myself.”

Antonio praised the benefits of career coaching where he received help with job applications, creating a resume, and practice interviewing. He also received help navigating a difficult work situation. “It’s all about your drive," Antonio said. "If they see you are willing to try, they’ll help you. It’s just unlike anything I ever experienced.”

Antonio also gained hope through credit building and pre-homeownership coaching.

“I always thought it would be too much, but I realized it’s feasible," Antonio said. "I just have to work at it.” 

Beyond the practical skills and tips Antonio learned, he said he experienced tremendous personal growth and found community through Love Columbia. “When I first came here, I can say that I know I wasn’t the person that I am now, as far as perspective or growth," Antonio said. "I came here not knowing which direction to go because I don’t have support people here in town. Love Columbia has made living in Columbia a hundred times better. I really feel like I’ve got some community, people that I can count on no matter how hard things get. That’s major for me. It saves you from feeling hopeless. I’m trying not to get too emotional about it, but I believe they really care about me and my kids and that means a lot. Hopefully, I'll make it big one day and I can help Love Columbia."

Reaching Heights Never Imagined

Ayumi moved to Columbia in February of 2023, to pursue a business opportunity and get a fresh start after experiencing trauma and loss. When the business opportunity failed to materialize, she found a couple of part-time jobs which covered her expenses until she needed a car repair. Her financial need prompted her to reach out to Love Columbia where she not only got her car fixed, but enrolled in career coaching. This led to Ayumi enrolling in Job Point’s accounting program and a connection with Rose Williams, retired accountant, who became her tutor. “Rose has the patience of a saint," Ayumi said. "I would have dropped out of the program without her support, but now I’m on track to graduate in December.” 

Ayumi said she has also received incredible support from volunteer, Ann Forsee, who has helped her with life and career guidance. “I talk with Ann every week. She listens and lets me vent about my week. She always backs me up in what I want to do and is 100% supportive. When I shared wanting to eliminate my $20,000 debt, I was encouraged to enroll in Extra Mile financial coaching. This is when I met my volunteer coach, Sharon Hillard. She showed me some new ways to track my money and supported me to knock down my debt by 80%. I’ve also raised my credit score over 200 points to 740.”

Ayumi summed up her experience with these words, “Love Columbia means everything to me. I’m here alone. No family. Without Love Columbia, I would not be able to do any of the things I am doing to improve my life. I would have been lost. Every time I’m stuck and need help, they give me more great ideas. I’ve never seen a place like this. They are so expansive and able to help in so many ways. Every community needs an organization like this. Love Columbia is not a stepping stone, but stairs to help people reach heights they never could imagine.” 

Stay in the loop with Love Columbia Text Alerts

Sign up for our texting updates to keep you up to date on the latest news, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities to get involved in our mission to Love People Forward, delivered straight to your phone!

It's easy! Just text LOVE to 65737.

By texting LOVE, you'll consent to receive periodic text messages from Love Columbia. Msg & data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 65737. Text LOVE to 65737 today and join our texting community!

The Love Seat Furniture Bank

The Furniture Bank provides donated furniture to families and individuals who are in crisis or transition. Without the Furniture Bank, many Columbians would not have a bed for their children to sleep in, a table to eat on, or clothing to wear to a job interview.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

At Love Columbia, we believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of helping one another. Your donation to Love Columbia goes directly toward providing essential services and support to those in our community who need it most.