The City of Columbia and the United Way of the Midlands are set to introduce a new scheduling system for agencies who provide meals for homeless citizens in Finlay Park.
According to United Way senior director for financial stability Jennifer Moore, the new system will establish set “blocks” of time for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the park, and will identify which charitable agency is the “lead” agency for providing meals in the park during a given time block.
The United Way of the Midlands has been contracted for homeless services coordination with the city since 2014.
Organizations that provide meals for homeless citizens in Finlay Park must have a permit from the City of Columbia, one that can be obtained free of charge. Moore indicates there are currently 11 groups that are permitted to provide meals in the park, and they do so on assorted days of the week.