City of St. Louis Winter Shelter Fund: Help Neighbors in Need

The City of St. Louis has launched the Winter Shelter Fund. This critical initiative addresses the urgent need for shelter and services for unhoused residents. It also supports families displaced by the devastating May 16 tornado. Winter temperatures are dropping quickly, and homelessness is on the rise. Therefore, this fund aims to provide vital resources to keep vulnerable community members safe and warm.

A Community in Crisis: Why We Need the Winter Shelter Fund

St. Louis faces a unique and difficult challenge this winter. First, there is a national increase in homelessness. Additionally, the aftermath of the May tornado has left many residents without stable housing. Others live in homes they simply cannot heat effectively.

To address this crisis, Mayor Cara Spencer and the Board of Aldermen acted early. They allocated $13.7 million to fund winter shelters and services. However, the need far exceeds these available resources.

“The need has never been greater,” said Mayor Spencer. “Whether you can contribute $25 or $25,000, every dollar counts. This fund is a way for all of us to come together. We can ensure no one in St. Louis has to endure a freezing night without shelter.”

How the Winter Shelter Fund Will Help

The City of St. Louis Winter Shelter Fund is a collaborative effort. The City created it in partnership with the St. Louis Continuum of Care, Peter & Paul Community Services, Gateway 180, and St. Louis Winter Outreach. Furthermore, the trusted Greater St. Louis Community Foundation will manage the fund.

Your donations will go directly to shelter operations. Specifically, funds will cover:

• Staffing
• Food and supplies
• Emergency equipment

Importantly, this fund complements existing donations to local shelters. It ensures that we do not divert critical resources from ongoing community efforts.

How You Can Make a Difference

You can help today. Anyone can make a tax-deductible donation to the City of St. Louis Winter Shelter Fund through the St. Louis Community Foundation website.

The City has set an ambitious goal. They aim to raise $250,000 by the end of winter. Fortunately, an angel donor has already contributed $25,000 to kickstart the campaign.

“No one should have to face a freezing night without shelter or housing,” said Anthony D’Agostino, CEO of Peter & Paul Community Services. “This fund represents our community coming together. We act with compassion and urgency to protect lives during the harshest winter conditions.”

Join the Effort to Support Homeless Shelters in St. Louis

The demand for winter shelter in St. Louis is always high. Yet, this year is different. The tornado’s impact compounds the usual winter needs.

Kathy Connors, Chairperson of the St. Louis Continuum of Care, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Shelter is a crucial and costly solution,” she noted. “It keeps our unhoused neighbors warm, safe, and alive this winter.”

If you already support local shelters, please continue those contributions. The City encourages you to maintain that support. Consequently, the Winter Shelter Fund specifically targets new donors or those who can give extra to meet the increased demand.

Related Resources and How to Learn More

For more information on how you can help, visit The Narrative Matters. This site highlights stories and resources about homelessness and community support in St. Louis. Additionally, you can learn more about the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation and their role in managing this critical fund.

Together, we can ensure that no one in St. Louis is left out in the cold this winter. Every donation brings us closer to a safer, warmer community for all.

#StLouis #WinterShelterFund #CommunitySupport