A roof over our heads and a comfortable bed—most of us take these for granted. But according to a 2013 UMSL study, in 2012 nearly 2,000 people in St. Louis City and County were considered homeless. The following organizations offer opportunities to help those who don’t have a place to call home.
[st. patrick center]
This group offers employment, housing and health care to more than 8,000 people each year who are homeless or at risk of becoming so.
To help:
> Sort and distribute donated food and clothes, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.
> Serve lunch in the Shamrock Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.
> Prepare dinner for the Women’s Night program.
> Throw a party for clients by providing decorations, snacks and leading games.
> Assist with administrative tasks, such as filing and mailing, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
> Bake casseroles for Rosati Group Home or make sandwiches and desserts for daily lunch service.
Volunteer contact:
Katie Bixler | 314.802.0681 | stpatrickcenter.org
[the bridge]
This shelter offers meals and support services to people who are homeless or at risk.
To help:
> Work in the lending library, computer lab or kitchen.
> Assist with a project, such as painting or mailing.
> Volunteer during special holiday events.
> Prepare, serve and clean up meals daily.
Volunteer contact:
314.421.3136, ext. 110. | volassociate@bridgestl.org | bridgestl.org
[gateway180]
In addition to providing emergency shelter and meals, this organization works to end homelessness in St. Louis by offering skills training, internships and parenting classes.
To help:
> Volunteer with summer camps by leading activities and chaperoning field trips.
> Make lunches off-site once a month and deliver them on a specified day.
> Prepare meals for clients.
> Plan and supervise activities for kids while parents attend workshops.
> Serve as a receptionist.
Volunteer contact:
314.231.1515, ext. 24 | info@gateway180.org | gateway180.org
[room at the inn]
Sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, Room at the Inn is a temporary emergency shelter for homeless women and children.
To help:
> Serve as an overnight host at the Bridgeton shelter.
> Join a planning committee.
> Provide administrative assistance in the office.
> Clean rooms.
> Sort donations.
> Teach internet classes to clients.
Volunteer contact:
roomstl.org
[organizations benefiting the homeless]
> HomeFirst STL | homefirststl.org
A nonprofit founded in 2011, it helps homeless St. Louisans who are ready to make a change in their lives but do not qualify for other types of aid.
> Family Haven | 314.423.7770, ext. 7734
This is a family shelter that provides health services, day care programs and community recreation programs to those in need.
> Grace Hill Settlement House | gracehill.org
Grace Hill provides high-quality health care and other services, while promoting healthy lifestyles.
> Places for People | placesforpeople.org
This nonprofit serves patients who have been discharged from the State Psychiatric Hospital, as well as families, young adults and immigrants who have behavioral health disorders.
> Arch City Defenders | archcitydefenders.org
This organization provides holistic legal services to those facing state and municipal prosecutions who do not qualify for the services of other legal organizations and cannot afford private representation.
[List may not include every group that helps the homeless. If you know a charity we should spotlight, email us at reachingout@townandstyle.com or connect with us on Facebook.]
Photo: Gateway180