Homelessness is a serious issue in St. Louis, Missouri. According to a 2020 report by the St. Louis City Continuum of Care (CoC), which is a group of organizations that work together to address homelessness, there were 1,767 people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis City on a single night in January 2020.
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Of those individuals, 74% were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing, while 26% were unsheltered, meaning they were sleeping on the streets or in other places not meant for human habitation.
The report also noted that African Americans are disproportionately affected by homelessness in St. Louis, making up 63% of the homeless population, despite only accounting for 47% of the overall population in the city.
The causes of homelessness in St. Louis are complex and varied. Some of the contributing factors include poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, addiction, and job loss. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the problem by leading to job losses and economic instability.
Many organizations in St. Louis are working to address homelessness and provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness. These organizations include shelters, outreach programs, and advocacy groups. Additionally, the city government has taken steps to address the issue, such as increasing funding for homeless services and establishing a Homeless Services Division within the Department of Human Services.
St. Louis has a variety of homeless services available for those in need. Here are some resources you can use to get help:
- St. Louis Gov. Services is an official webpage with an exhaustive list of numbers and links when you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness.
- St. Patrick Center: This is the largest provider of homeless services in the St. Louis area. They offer a range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and employment assistance.
- Gateway180: This organization provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for families and individuals who are homeless.
- St. Louis City Continuum of Care: This organization works to coordinate and improve the delivery of homeless services in the St. Louis area. They can connect you with a variety of resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services.
- Biddle Housing Opportunities Center: This is a day shelter that provides a range of services, including meals, showers, and laundry facilities. They also offer case management services to help connect people with housing and other resources.
- Peter & Paul Community Services: This organization provides emergency shelter and supportive services to individuals who are homeless, including veterans and people with mental illness.
- United Way 2-1-1: This is a hotline that you can call to get information about a variety of social services, including homeless services. They can help you connect with resources in your area.
It’s important to note that these organizations may have different eligibility requirements and availability of services. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask about their specific services and requirements.
