ST. LOUIS — Colder temperatures are moving back into the St. Louis area before Thanksgiving. The city is preparing to expand shelter capacity for the homeless during the upcoming winter months. The city’s Department of Human Services is planning to provide about 160 additional inclement weather shelter beds.
The city’s winter shelter strategy, announced this week, will activate additional beds starting December 1st during extreme cold conditions—specifically when temperatures drop below 25 degrees with precipitation or 20 degrees without. These beds complement the existing 800 year-round shelter spaces in the community.
Beyond increasing shelter capacity, the city will support verified pop-up shelters and outreach organizations by providing essential supplies. This includes cots, blankets, hats, socks, and cleaning materials.
This initiative follows recent efforts by Mayor Tishaura Jones’s administration to address homelessness. Recent legislation adds shelter and transitional housing development and an employment program.