Grassroots Organizations Making a Difference in Columbia
Non Profits | May 21, 2025
Non Profits | May 21, 2025
Written by: Clayton Shivers
Columbia, South Carolina, is a city shaped by the dedication and vision of its grassroots organizations. These nonprofits are on the front lines of building homes, empowering youth, and fostering stronger community relationships. Among the most impactful are Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, City Year Columbia, and Serve & Connect. Their stories showcase the power of local action to address pressing challenges and create lasting change.
Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity: Building Homes, Transforming Lives
For over 35 years, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity has been a cornerstone of community development in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties. The organization’s mission is simple yet profound: through shelter, we empower. Habitat works alongside families in need, volunteers, and donors to build and repair homes, offering a pathway to stability and self-reliance.
How Habitat Works
Habitat’s homeownership program is unique. Families selected for the program demonstrate need, a willingness to partner, and the ability to repay an affordable mortgage. Homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of “sweat equity,” working side by side with volunteers to build their own homes. This hands-on approach not only reduces construction costs but also fosters a sense of pride and community.
In addition to constructing new homes, Habitat is a Neighborhood Revitalization Affiliate, helping to transform entire communities block by block. The organization assists existing homeowners with repairs, coordinates community clean-ups, and supports veterans and seniors through specialized programs. Even during challenging times, such as the pandemic and rising construction costs, Habitat has continued to deliver on its promise, thanks to the unwavering support of volunteers and donors.
The ReStore: Sustainability Meets Community Support
Habitat’s ReStore, located on Augusta Road in West Columbia, is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center. It sells gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials at a fraction of retail prices. Proceeds from the ReStore directly fund local homebuilding efforts, making it a vital part of the organization’s sustainability and outreach.
Leadership and Impact
In 2025, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity welcomed Moryah Jackson as its new Executive Director. Jackson brings a wealth of experience in community development and engagement, ensuring the organization continues to grow its impact and foster hope throughout the Midlands.
City Year Columbia: Engaging Youth in Civic Service
Columbia’s future is being shaped in its schools, where City Year Columbia is making a remarkable difference. As part of the national City Year network, the Columbia chapter deploys AmeriCorps members to serve in local elementary and middle schools, providing holistic support to nearly 1,500 students each year.
What City Year Does
City Year AmeriCorps members serve as mentors, tutors, and role models. They work closely with teachers to deliver instruction tailored to the needs of each student, focusing on academic achievement, attendance, social-emotional skills, and positive behavior. The “Whole School, Whole Child” philosophy ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive, regardless of their background.
More than 76% of students tutored by City Year members last year improved their test scores, a testament to the program’s effectiveness. City Year also creates a pipeline of young leaders, as AmeriCorps members develop valuable skills and relationships that benefit them long after their service year ends.
Building Community and Opportunity
City Year is a key partner to local school districts, including Lexington Four and Richland One. By engaging students, families, and community organizations, City Year helps prepare South Carolina’s youth to be college- and career-ready. The organization’s presence in Columbia is a beacon of hope and opportunity, especially for students facing significant challenges.
Serve & Connect: Fostering Police-Community Partnerships
Serve & Connect stands at the intersection of public safety and community trust. Founded to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, this Columbia-based nonprofit works to build partnerships, foster understanding, and create safer neighborhoods.
Programs and Initiatives
Serve & Connect brings together police officers, residents, and local leaders for collaborative projects and open dialogue. Initiatives often include neighborhood clean-ups, resource fairs, and youth engagement activities. These efforts are designed to break down barriers, address misconceptions, and build relationships rooted in respect and shared goals.
The organization also provides training and support for both officers and community members, emphasizing empathy, communication, and problem-solving. By focusing on partnership rather than enforcement alone, Serve & Connect is helping to redefine what public safety looks like in Columbia.
Real Impact
Serve & Connect’s work has led to measurable improvements in community trust and cooperation. Residents report feeling more connected to local law enforcement, and officers gain a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. This approach has proven especially valuable in neighborhoods facing high rates of crime or social challenges.
The Broader Impact: Community Pride and Lasting Change
The collective efforts of these grassroots organizations ripple far beyond the individuals they directly serve. By building homes, mentoring youth, and fostering trust, they strengthen the very fabric of Columbia’s neighborhoods.
These nonprofits also provide meaningful opportunities for residents to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in community events. Their work inspires pride and a sense of ownership in Columbia’s future.
How to Get Involved
Grassroots change depends on community support. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Columbia’s Grassroots Spirit in Action
The stories of Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, City Year Columbia, and Serve & Connect are just a few examples of the extraordinary grassroots energy driving change in Columbia. These organizations prove that lasting solutions to complex challenges begin at the local level, with neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together for the greater good.
As Columbia continues to grow and evolve, its future will be shaped by the passion, creativity, and resilience of its grassroots leaders-and by the everyday citizens who choose to get involved. Whether you build a home, mentor a student, or join a neighborhood event, your contribution matters. Together, Columbia’s grassroots organizations and engaged residents are building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant city for all.
