“I trusted them, and they trusted me.”

These were the words Robert Reid used to summarize how our programs helped him transition from being an unhoused father with a temp job to leasing-to-own a home with a well-paying job and bright future for himself and his son.

We think these same words are the key for every bit of progress we see in the lives of the people we serve through Love Columbia and for our community as a whole. Building trust is essential. It usually takes time and personal investment, but is well worth it. People and communities flourish in an atmosphere of trust, where commitments are kept and failures are seen as part of the learning process and opportunities for growth.