Community members invited to participate in homelessness Strategic Plan process

A City of Columbia Steering Committee is creating a Strategic Plan focused on homelessness and is inviting the community to participate in the process.

The Steering Committee is seeking input from community members through a roundtable discussion and survey to help identify priorities, challenges and opportunities that will inform the Strategic Plan and future community efforts to address homelessness.

The public is invited to attend a community roundtable discussion on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the ARC, 1701 W. Ash St. Participants will take part in small-group discussions led by a facilitator who will guide the conversation using prepared questions and recording responses.

This is not a drop-in event, and attendees should plan to stay for the full discussion. A meal and free childcare will be provided.

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, to help staff plan for seating, meals and childcare. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/m2yUWcb5CEsbpett5. Anyone needing ADA accommodations can contact City staff at least 48 hours before the event by emailing [email protected]create new email or calling 573-817-6403.

Community members who are unable to attend the roundtable discussion, or who would like to provide additional feedback, are encouraged to complete an anonymous survey. The survey can be found here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8944581/Homelessness-Strategic-Plan-Community-Survey-Summer-2026

In addition to feedback from the public, the Steering Committee is hosting focus groups, discussions and interviews with people experiencing homelessness, direct service providers, business owners, first responders, housing providers, healthcare professionals, faith leaders and more.

Feedback collected through the survey, roundtable discussion, focus groups and interviews will help shape recommendations and action items in the Strategic Plan, which will be presented to the Columbia City Council later this year.

The Steering Committee encourages all community members to participate and appreciates their time and input in helping shape the Strategic Plan.

Updates about the process can be found by visiting the BeHeardCoMo site here: https://beheard.como.gov/homelessness-strategic-plan

Other related press release:

Steering Committee to create strategic plan focused on homelessness

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.