As temperatures in St. Louis are expected to plummet to freezing levels between late Sunday and early Tuesday, the city has taken proactive steps to provide emergency shelter for those affected by homelessness or the recent May 16 tornado that left homes uninhabitable. The City of St. Louis Government posted on social media outlining the collaborative efforts with local organizations to make this essential service available.
Emergency shelters have been made available, with operating hours from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., beginning on Nov. 9 and concluding the morning of Nov. 11. Should the cold persist into the mornings, these emergency shelters will remain open until the temperatures rise above freezing. The shelters offer separate congregate shelter for single men and women, alongside family rooms. Anyone in need of shelter and transport can request assistance by calling the United Way of Greater St. Louis at 211.
Mayor Cara Spencer remarked on the city's preparedness and community collaboration stating, "St. Louisans who are unhoused or whose homes were damaged by the tornado deserve a warm place to sleep. I am proud of the partnership between our Department of Human Services, Recovery Office, St. Louis City Continuum of Care, and an incredible group of organizations in our community to make this emergency shelter available early in the season." This quote was shared in a social media post from the City of St. Louis Government.
Supporting organizations involved in these efforts include the American Red Cross, Peter & Paul Community Services, Biddle Housing Opportunities Center, Gateway 180, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, among others. Kathy Connors, chair of the St. Louis City Continuum of Care and executive director of Gateway 180 added, "The City of St. Louis Continuum of Care is committed to ensuring our unhoused neighbors have access to shelter accommodations in this extreme cold weather, and for the duration of our cold winter months. In partnership with and with the support of Mayor Spencer's office and the Department of Human Services, we are working diligently to ensure the number of shelter beds made available this winter adequately meets the need, providing safety and security to the most vulnerable members of our community," as mentioned on the City of St. Louis Government post.
Individuals and families planning to use these emergency shelters are encouraged to bring essentials such as changes of clothes, toiletries, essential medication, and comfort items for children though these items are not required for seeking shelter.
