City of St. Louis to Provide Additional Shelter for Unhoused Individuals During COVID-19 Pandemic

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the City of St. Louis is stepping up its longstanding commitment to providing for the health and safety of unhoused individuals.

“Our goal is always to get people into housing. But we recognize that right now, individuals experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable. This is an important, potentially life-saving component of the City’s unprecedented response to COVID-19,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson.

Beginning Monday, April 6, the City will partner with City Hope St. Louis to operate and manage a shelter facility on the former Little Sisters of the Poor property at 3225 N. Florissant Rd.

Under the 60-day agreement, which includes an option to extend, additional rooms and beds will be available to individuals experiencing homelessness. In light of COVID-19, each individual will undergo an initial health screening test before being admitted, as recommended by the CDC and the City’s Department of Health.

Additionally, while operating on a 24-hour basis, City Hope will introduce various life skill programs to those in shelter, including workshops on resume writing, effective job search techniques, health and wellness, banking, and assistance with mental illness, substance abuse, and related trauma. Meals and laundry services will also be available.

“It is difficult for someone to get their life back together from the street. I’m encouraged by this partnership because it’s more than just a temporary shelter away from potential exposure to COVID-19. It’s connecting individuals to vital life and health resources,” Mayor Krewson added.

City Hope plans to provide appropriate staff to monitor individuals, help them in moving from homelessness to housing, and to make sure they participate in available programming. The City, which is leasing the shelter facility, has also committed to providing on-site security and personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff and residents.

The City also partners with City Hope year round to provide additional shelter locations for unhoused individuals. If you or someone you know is need of shelter or housing assistance, please contact the St. Louis Regional Housing Hotline at (314) 802-5444 or the United Way by dialing 211.

For more information about COVID-19 prevention, testing locations, and symptoms, please call the City’s Department of Health at (314) 657-1499 or visit its website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/covid-19/