Opportunity Campus on track to open in the spring

Officials say a one-stop shop for homeless services is on track to open in Columbia in the spring, even though millions more dollars are needed for construction costs.

Plans for the Opportunity Campus have been in the works since 2021, and the project has experienced delays since. In a presentation to the Columbia City Council on Monday, Ed Stansberry, the executive director of the Volunteer Action Center, said construction is still in progress, despite a $3.4 million shortfall.

“Things are happening hot and heavy at the site these days,” he said. “As long as the weather holds out — we have had some delays with the roofers because it's just been too bloomin’ hot.” The project first broke ground in February 2024.

The campus will combine and work with the services currently offered in Col