Keepin' It Real Ministries

Keepin' It Real Ministries is dedicated to assisting the homeless and less fortunate on their individual journeys toward recovery, through the stabilizing and life changing power of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our short-term vision is to continue assisting people who are homeless and less fortunate in the greater Columbia (South Carolina) area by (1) sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, (2) meeting the needs of individuals, (3) and leading people who are less fortunate to recovery.

The long-term vision of Keepin’ It Real Ministries is to become a Christ-centered, self-supporting campus with paid staff.  It will offer housing for men, women, and families in crisis, thereby preventing their homelessness. An on-campus school will provide education and training to empower them to hold jobs provided by the ministry or within the community, and/or to start businesses of their own, thus ensuring a more secure future for themselves and their families.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

~ Ephesians 3:20-21 ~

In January 2013 the number of homeless individuals was 1700 in the downtown area, 4000 within city limits. In 2023, the estimate has increased to 5000 in the metro Columbia area. In recent years, many homeless people were relocated outside of the city to Harbison, Dutch Square, North Columbia. Forest Acres, and Garners Ferry Road. Not included in this count are Lexington, Red Bank (which apparently has a large encampment), Chapin, West Columbia, Cayce, and other small-town areas.

Homelessness is attributed to multiple causes: mental illness, prison releases, joblessness, and people with circumstances beyond their control. Alcohol and drug addiction tend not to be causes, but a result of homelessness. Living on the street is a complicated, dangerous, and sometimes violent lifestyle. No matter what the reason, the problem of homelessness is here and worsening as affordable housing is being torn down and replaced with new subsidized housing. There are fewer units available, and these units are becoming more expensive. Since 2005, Pastor Oscar Gadsden and his volunteers have been leading people to Christ, offering food and clothing, providing individualized help and counseling, and assisting those who were/are ready to return to society.

Keepin’ It Real Ministries is a 501(c)3 Public Charity