The Haven: Affordable Housing in Columbia for People Experiencing Homelessness

What The Haven Offers

The Haven is a permanent supportive housing program in Columbia run by Transitions, Inc., a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness in the Midlands. The program provides apartments paired with on-site support services—case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and job training—all designed to help residents stabilize and move toward self-sufficiency. Unlike temporary shelters, Haven residents sign leases and stay as long as they need the support.

The apartments themselves are scattered throughout Columbia rather than in a single building, which means residents live in regular neighborhoods alongside other renters. Transitions pays the landlord directly, and residents typically pay a portion of their rent based on their income—often 30 percent of what they earn, with the program covering the rest. This arrangement keeps housing costs manageable while residents work toward financial independence.

Key Takeaways

• The Haven is permanent supportive housing, meaning residents can stay as long as they need support services, not just a few nights or weeks.
• Transitions, Inc. pairs apartment placement with on-site case management, mental health services, and job training to address the root causes of homelessness.
• Residents typically pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, with the program covering the remainder to the landlord.
• The program serves people experiencing homelessness in Richland County, with priority given to those with the greatest barriers to housing.

Who The Haven Serves

The Haven prioritizes people experiencing chronic homelessness—those who have been homeless for a year or more, or who have had four or more episodes of homelessness in the past three years. The program also serves individuals and families with disabilities, serious mental illness, or substance use disorders that make finding and keeping housing difficult without support.

Transitions uses a "Housing First" approach, meaning people do not have to be sober, employed, or in treatment to move into an apartment. Instead, housing is the foundation, and services are built around each person's actual needs. This differs from programs that require residents to meet certain conditions before housing is offered.

How to Learn More About The Haven

To explore whether The Haven might be a fit, contact Transitions, Inc. directly. You can reach them by phone or visit their office in Columbia to speak with an intake coordinator. They will ask about your housing history, current situation, and what barriers you face—information that helps them understand whether permanent supportive housing is the right next step.

Transitions also works with other agencies in the community, including the Richland County Department of Social Services, local mental health providers, and homeless outreach teams. If you are already connected to one of these organizations, staff there may refer you to The Haven or help you make contact. The Midlands Homeless Coalition also maintains information about housing resources across the region and can point you toward programs that match your circumstances.

What to Expect in the Application Process

When you contact Transitions, an intake coordinator will conduct an initial conversation to understand your situation. They will ask about your homelessness history, any disabilities or health conditions, employment status, and what kind of support would help you most. This conversation is not a test you can pass or fail—it is a way for staff to understand what you need.

If The Haven seems like a good match, Transitions will work with you to find an apartment that fits your needs and budget. Once a lease is signed, you will be assigned a case manager who becomes your primary point of contact. That person helps with everything from budgeting and job searching to connecting you with mental health care or substance abuse treatment. The goal is to build a plan that works for your life, not to force you into a one-size-fits-all program.

Services Available to Residents

Case management is the backbone of The Haven. Your case manager meets with you regularly to check in, help you work toward goals, and connect you with other services when you need them. They might help you navigate benefits, find employment, manage a chronic illness, or work through a crisis.

Mental health and substance abuse counseling are available on-site or by referral, depending on what you need. Some residents are working toward recovery; others are managing a long-term mental health condition. The program does not require sobriety as a condition of housing, but it does offer treatment for those who want it. Job training and employment support help residents build work history and move toward financial independence. Some residents work part-time while receiving services; others focus on stabilizing their health first and employment later.

Cost and Income Requirements

There is no upfront fee to enter The Haven. Residents pay rent based on their income—typically 30 percent of what they earn each month. If you have no income, you pay nothing until you begin earning. Transitions covers the rest of the rent to the landlord, so your housing is secure even if your income fluctuates.

Income can come from employment, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, or other sources. Having no income does not disqualify you; it simply means your rent contribution starts at zero and increases as you earn money. This structure is designed to reward work without punishing people who cannot work immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in The Haven?

There is no set time limit. The Haven is permanent supportive housing, which means you can stay as long as you need the support. Some residents move toward independence and eventually leave; others stay long-term because the services and stability are essential to their wellbeing. The program is designed around your timeline, not a predetermined exit date.

What if I relapse or have a crisis while I am a resident?

A relapse or crisis does not automatically end your housing. The Haven uses a "Housing First" philosophy, which means your apartment is not at risk if you struggle. Your case manager will work with you to address what happened and adjust your support plan. The goal is to keep you housed while you work through the crisis.

Do I have to participate in treatment or job training?

Participation in services is part of your lease agreement, but "participation" is flexible and tailored to your situation. If you need mental health treatment, you will work with your case manager to find a provider and attend appointments. If you are not ready for employment, you might focus on other goals first. The program works with you, not against you.

Can I bring my family or pets into The Haven?

The Haven serves individuals and families. Family members can be included in your lease. Pet policies vary by apartment, so discuss this with your case manager when you are looking for housing. Transitions will work to find a place that fits your household.

How do I contact Transitions, Inc. to learn more?

Contact Transitions, Inc. directly by phone or visit their office in Columbia. You can also ask for a referral through the Richland County Department of Social Services, a local mental health provider, or the Midlands Homeless Coalition. Any of these routes will connect you to someone who can answer your questions and explain next steps.