ST. LOUIS – Michael Carr is living out of his SUV. He visited Loaves and Fishes of St. Louis Thursday to take a shower, wash some clothes, as well as receive some food and toiletries.
“It’s not easy never being able to lay down,” he said.
The agency provides an emergency homeless shelter for families with minor children and offers support services, including a food pantry providing regular donations for clients.
“They helped me with parenting classes; they helped me with food and clothing,” Dawn Hopkins, a former client who is now a regular Loaves and Fishes volunteer, said.
Hopkins’ son, 9, was four years old when they were homeless. Now, her son tells her they need to do what they can to help anyone who is homeless.
Hopkins credits Loaves and Fishes of St. Louis for turning her life around and encourages others to support their efforts.
CEO of Loaves and Fishes, Jacki Macintosh, believes the extreme cold has slowed drop-off donations at a time when help is needed the most. She said donations often dip in January following what’s considered the season of giving.
“Our phone calls have probably doubled the last month, possibly even tripled,” Macintosh said. “Everybody’s calling from rental assistance to food assistance to shelter assistance.”
If the cold weather continues, more donations will be needed to help meet demand. Anyone interested in providing help can learn more here.
Bishop Michael Robinson continues to provide shelter at Hope Nation International through the church’s outreach arm, City Hope St. Louis. The location at 4001 Maffit Ave. in the Greater Ville Neighborhood has remained open throughout the January cold snap.
“We would never want anyone to be outside in this type of weather,” he said. “Our goal is to keep as many people alive as possible.”
He said anyone interested in donating can call 314-614-9843. Robinson said food, paper plates, and cups are all items that can help.