Thom Barnes

The USC student whose random act of kindness was caught on camera and posted on social media isn't looking to hang on to the spotlight, but he is hopeful that his experience will leave a positive legacy. "I'm not a huge proponent of social media," he said, "but in cases like this I'm happy to see a positive message get shared with all the negativity we seem to be surrounded with today.

This is the final story in a three-part series featuring homelessness in Columbia. Less than 1 percent of Richland County’s population is estimated to be homeless. But that doesn’t mean the other 99 percent doesn’t have a stake in addressing the problem of homelessness. Raising awareness of homelessness and advocating for changes in attitudes and actions are pieces of the broader ongoing public discussion about homelessness.

This story is the second in a three-part series featuring homelessness in Columbia. George Cook has a lot on his plate right now. This morning, he’s giving a presentation at a public city forum. Saturday morning, he’ll be supervising a car wash fundraiser. After that, he’s been invited to a cookout at a friend’s house. Sunday, he’ll be in church almost all day, as usual. Next month, he’ll start pastoring a church of his own. Cook, 45, spends his nights at Oliver Gospel Mission.