Love Columbia to build 6 apartments with $1 million of county ARPA funds

IMARA MOORE | Columbia Missourian | Jul 25, 2023

Love Columbia, a housing-focused nonprofit organization, received a $1 million American Rescue Plan Act grant for transitional housing from the Boone County Commission. 

With the grant funds, Love Columbia will construct a six-unit apartment complex, located at northwest corner of Ash Street and College Avenue, according to a news release. 

A groundbreaking took place at Love Columbia's office Tuesday afternoon with Boone County Commissioners in attendance. 

“Transitional housing has been shown to be the most optimal way to transition a family experiencing homelessness to stability,” said Jane Williams, executive director and co-founder of Love Columbia. 

Williams said the typical stay at the apartments will be around four to six months, depending on the residents' situations. Since 2015, Love Columbia has helped more than 50 families experiencing homelessness through its Extra Miles Home program. 

Williams said this program provides different resources such as weekly financial coaching sessions, driving lessons and additional skills needed to help prepare families for the future. 

One of the criteria to take part in the program is for individuals to agree to save 30% of their income while in the program, in hopes to help with permanent housing fees. 

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