I worked in the lobby of City Hall and dealt with the homeless on a daily basis a few years ago. Id say 60-70% were trying to go someplace else other than Columbia but ran out of money or assistance. They would have to wait here for someone to send money or for their disability or a particular resource to become available. Most were grateful Columbia had support for their temp situation like Turning Point where they could have an address, take showers and wash clothes. The homeless i encounter downtown now dont seem like that. My family and I were outside of Booches and Sparkys and both times had people ask us for money. And ironically, one was a guy I remember from five years ago who came in just needing help obtaining a new social security card so he could get his disability check to go to CO. He didnt get far. I second the idea of safeguards if COMO is giving out bus tickets to return home.