ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Social service organizations worked together on Thursday to collect information on the homeless community in St. Louis County through a point-in-time count.

The effort aims to assess the current state of homelessness in the St. Louis region. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), St. Louis County Department of Human Services, and St. Louis County Police all contributed to the effort.

HUD will evaluate data to determine how much funding St. Louis County receives to address homelessness. For county leaders, it gives a better idea of how to direct resources to unhoused individuals.

“By participating in this census, Saint Louis County reaffirms its commitment to creating a community where everyone has access to safe, stable housing and the resources they need to thrive,” said St. Louis County Executive Sam Page via a news release. “While this count is a key event, Saint Louis County is committed every day to addressing homelessness through a variety of services.”

The count includes individuals who are outdoors, in emergency shelters, rapid rehousing programs, transitional housing programs, and permanent support housing programs.

“All the [agencies] determine the help necessary to address the underlying needs of those who are out and without [a home],” said Yusef Scoggin, St. Louis Director of the Department of Human Services.

St. Louis County provides a range of resources, including warming shelters, for people in need. Anyone seeking assistance can contact the St. Louis County homeless hotline at 314-802-544 or by dialing 211.

Click here for more resources in St. Louis County, and click here for more resources in St. Louis City.