By Mary Carter
“It’s very hot out here for myself, my niece, my service dogs and the other homeless people who are outside at this time.
In the winter, the city of St. Louis has winter shelters, but there is nothing in the hot summer days and nights for the homeless who are outside and in need of shelter.
I have been in my blue tent with my service dogs since March 2023 living under Mayor Tishaura Jones window. When she ran for office, she said she was going to help the homeless. Instead, once elected, she has left homeless women, like me with service dogs, outside.
The Jones’ administration has destroyed numerous homeless camps and has done nothing to get rid of the Plat and Petition. This Saint Louis city policy of Plat and Petition results in shelters being closed and other shelters not being able to open.
Homeless women like me with medical problems are being left outside with our service dogs. I am along with the other homeless people who are with me, expressing our first amendment rights to protest. It’s hot out here and were are suffering. We need help not harassment.”
Some people were handing out ice on August 25, which was the hottest day of the year, reaching 104 degrees with a heat index of 118.
If you are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis in St. Louis County, you can call the Emergency Shelter Hotline at (314) 802-5444. You can also call the St. Louis Housing Helpline at (314) 802-5444 or United Way at 211.
