Homelessness is increasing in St. Louis. According to the St. Louis Continuum of Care, the number of people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis City and County increased by 20% between 2019 and 2022. This increase is likely due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of housing, and a lack of affordable housing options.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on homelessness in St. Louis. Many people who were already struggling to make ends meet lost their jobs or had their hours reduced during the pandemic. This made it difficult for them to pay rent or mortgage payments, and many of them were forced to become homeless.
The rising cost of housing is another factor that is contributing to homelessness in St. Louis. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis is now over $1,000 per month, which is out of reach for many people. This is especially true for people who are living on low incomes or who have disabilities.
Finally, there is a lack of affordable housing options in St. Louis. There are not enough affordable housing units available to meet the needs of the population, and this is making it difficult for people who are experiencing homelessness to find a place to live.
The increase in homelessness in St. Louis is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There are a number of things that can be done to help, including providing more affordable housing options, increasing access to mental health and addiction treatment services, and helping people find jobs.
