Homeless Shelter

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.

Homelessness in the St. Louis region has been increasing over the past few years because of the lack of affordable housing, the coronavirus pandemic and increased rent. Advocates for homeless people say a new Missouri law that will make living on state-owned property illegal on Jan. 1 will exacerbate the problem.

St. Louis’ last pop-up safe haven shelter has closed for the season, and the city has yet to fund one.

Local providers and organizers are scrambling to keep a pop-up emergency shelter open during freezing temperatures, while they wait on the city to fund one.

St. Louis has set aside more than $43 million in federal funding for homeless services and housing support. Advocates hope to see progress before deadly winter weather arrives.

All 50 of the units in the tiny home village will be full as of this week, but homeless advocates say the federal coronavirus relief money could have been stretched further to help more St. Louisans in need.