The Homelessness Problem
in St. Louis County
Homelessness is a growing problem in St. Louis County. The Homeless Hotline receives thousands of calls every year, but fewer than half the people in need are placed in a shelter, due to lack of space.
Who are the homeless? The answer may surprise you. Room at the Inn has provided shelter for:
• Struggling families with jobs whose rent has been raised beyond their means or for whom an unexpected medical bill cost them their house.
• Mothers striving to escape dangerous living conditions and provide a better future for their children.
 • A widow who has dedicated her life to raising children and has no marketable skills.
• Women and families who've exhausted every other option.
For client eligibility guidelines, please click here: Client Eligibility.
The Problem
These figures reflect the critical shortage of emergency shelter that exists in St. Louis County. Lack of shelter space available is the primary reason people are not given shelter in response to a Hotline request. The 20 beds offered by Room at the Inn represent a significant portion of all emergency beds available in St. Louis County available for women and children.
Room at the Inn Homeless Facts:
• Minor children generally make up more than half of Room at the Inn 's homeless clients.
• About one in five of the clients of Room at the Inn have NO income.
• Most, if not all of the clients of Room at the Inn have income below the Department of Health & Human Services Federal Poverty Guideline. The 2007 poverty guidelines for a family of three is income of $17,170/year.
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Scottish Proverb:
Were it not for hope the heart would break.
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