Today I want to salute a pillar in the Midlands community, Transitions, located at the corner of Main and Elmwood in downtown Columbia. Mike Kelly Law Group has been a proud supporter of Transitions for several years, and we cannot be more pleased with the work that the organization is doing to serve the homeless in our community. Not only does Transitions provide meals, transitional housing, employment services, and educational opportunities to those in need, but it also partners with over 55 area agencies—including LRADAC, MIRCI, Columbia Area Mental Health Center, and Cooperative Health—to ensure its clients have access to healthcare and other ancillary services.

Needless to say, homelessness takes a heavy toll on the mind and body, so much so that a person experiencing chronic homelessness is likely to have comparable or worse health conditions than someone who is decades older but with a permanent home. Unfortunately, securing permanent housing has proven to be a particularly difficult challenge for homeless individuals in 2020 due to a decline in employment opportunities and available affordable housing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the pandemic has also caused Transitions to see a decline in critical resources, including financial support and volunteers. Nonetheless, Transitions has continued to faithfully serve its clients and forge new partnerships during this unprecedented time.

I salute Transitions for its unwavering commitment to the homeless men and women of the Midlands—keep up the good work!