Homelessness Research

United Way of the Midlands is committed to understanding homelessness in our community. We oversee a statewide database of homeless information and conduct front-line research to make sure we have the most accurate information to efficiently and effectively end homelessness in the Midlands.

Inclement Weather Center Report

United Way of the Midlands has managed our emergency weather shelter since 2014. This report is our annual update for how that shelter is functioning, along with recommendations for the future.

Download Inclement Weather Center Report (PDF) 

Healthcare and Homelessness Report

A study released by the South Carolina Coalition for the Homeless (SCCH) and United Way of the Midlands reveals that people who are homeless in South Carolina consumed more than $1 billion in health care between 2010 and 2012.

The report reveals factors contributing to the high cost of homelessness, including the insurance coverage gap between Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace; showing that about one-third ($342 million) of all charges were billed to individuals without insurance.

Download Health Care and Homelessness Report (PDF)

Homeless Information Management System

The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a client management system that helps coordinate shelter and services for people who are homeless or struggling with a housing crisis. United Way of the Midlands manages the internet-based system for the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) – a nonprofit organization representing homeless providers in 14 counties throughout the Midlands. HMIS is utilized by homeless providers, federal and local governments to identify gaps in housing and services and inform effective planning.

Contact Lauren Hopkins about joining HMIS or to report technical problems. 

Find HMIS resources and forms

Point in Time Count

As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 10 days in January, communities across the United States annually conduct a count of individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. The resulting homeless census, referred to as a “Point in Time Count,” provides an indication of the size and characteristics of the nation’s homeless population. 

Download Point in Time Count Report for 2019 (PDF)

South Carolina Self-Sufficiency Standards

How much does an individual or family need to earn to live without public or private assistance in South Carolina? The Self-Sufficiency Standard answers that question and more.

This report presents and analyzes The Self-Sufficiency Standard for South Carolina 2016. This measure calculates how much income a family must earn to meet basic needs, with the amount varying by family composition and where they live. The Standard presented here is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways—by clients of workforce and training programs seeking paths to self-sufficiency, by program managers to evaluate program effectiveness, and by policymakers and legislators seeking to create programs and pathways that lead to self-sufficiency for working families.

View the full report

Youth in Transition Assessment

This report provides information on youth in transition in Columbia; maps available resources for housing, education, and employment support for this population; and highlights effective programs employed in other communities to serve these vulnerable youth.

Download Youth in Transition Assessment (PDF)

Youth in Transition: System Experience Prior to Homelessness

Youth (ages 17-24) represent a growing segment of the homeless population. Understanding the causes of homelessness is important to help mitigate those predictors prior to someone becoming homeless.  There is little research or data that examines the age range of 17-24 and their experiences with various systems prior to becoming homeless. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to provide a better understanding of the experience and contributing factors of youth who become homeless in the midlands of South Carolina.

Download Youth in Transition: System Experience Prior to Homelessness (PDF)

Youth in Transition: Better Understanding Our Youth (one-pager)

Better understand the factors that lead to youth homelessness with this one-page infographic. 

Download Youth in Transition: Better Understanding Our Youth (PDF)