Homeless Shelter

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed a bill that revises the city’s zoning code for shelters and transitional housing. Proponents say this will streamline the permitting process and give the city greater tools to address problematic shelters.

New Life Evangelistic Center, which used to operate a homeless shelter in St. Louis' Downtown West, doesn't want the city to shut the encampment because trash creates unsanitary conditions.

The windchill could hit 10 to 15 degrees below zero Fahrenheit on Sunday and Monday. In those conditions, frostbite can occur in 30 minutes and hypothermia can set in quickly.

The St. Louis Department of Human Services has increased its partnerships with local agencies to provide more beds and social services support throughout the winter for people who are experiencing homelessness.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones is calling on regional leaders to expand their efforts to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. Jones' administration has added housing in north St. Louis with $1.2 million in federal coronavirus relief funds.

St. Louis earmarked millions from the American Rescue Plan Act for homeless services. But after two deep freezes in as many years, the city is just now planning to open a 24/7 "safe haven" shelter for those without housing.

A law passed last year made sleeping on state-owned land a misdemeanor in Missouri. It went into effect Jan. 1, but critics say there is still a lack of clarity from the state surrounding its implementation.

In March 2022, community advocates said St. Louis' 211 hotline fails homeless people and leaves volunteers to pick up the slack. Nearly a year later, they report that things are even worse.

On Dec. 1, the City of St. Louis launched winter operations to help support people without housing during the coldest months of the year. Community volunteers and organizers who work to support those who are homeless, however, have serious concerns.

Doorways opened a 50-apartment complex in Jeff-Vander-Lou, and St. Patrick Place is making 24 apartments available for homeless people in the Greater Ville. But advocates say more help is needed.