Advocacy

There is a lack of funding needed to support the resources and organizations that work to minimize the problem of homelessness, primarily among men, that exists in St. Charles County, Missouri.

The Vision Class of 2010 recognizes this problem and has designed this page as a tool to help educate the community.  We are also supporting the organizations that are doing all they can to minimize this problem.

DID YOU KNOW?

w In 2009 the Community Council performed their annual homeless census which counts the number of homeless people living outside and in shelters within the tri-county area of St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties.  The Community Council found 830 individuals homeless.  The St. Louis census found 1,350 individuals to be homeless.

w In 2009, combining HUD grants, federal stimulus dollars, Missouri Housing Trust Fund grants and state and local funding, St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties received $1.3 million to help homeless people and people in danger of becoming homeless.  St. Louis County received $5.1 million and St. Louis City received $25.6 million from these same funding sources*.

w Homeless in St. Charles County

o   http://videos.suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/p/video?id=9825399

o   http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/chas-beat/schools/2009/12/reaction-to-story-on-homeless-living-in-wentzville-motels/

 *Castile, Raymond (2010, February 16). Homelessness rises, federal aid doesn’t. Suburban Journals. Retrieved

          February 26, 2010, from http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2010/02/16/warren/news/0217war-count0.txt

The perception that most people have of a homeless person is someone who is pan handling on the streets and sleeping on a park bench.  However, in St. Charles County and many other areas, this is not the case.  The majority of the homeless can be found living in their cars, under bridges, in encampments, in someone’s basement or, if lucky, in a motel. They are not as visible as in some areas; most people are not even aware of them and don’t think there is a problem.  However, they do exist and could even be one of our coworkers.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

w Awareness

o   Lack of Awareness leads to lack of support and funding

o  Transitional Housing

o   Lack of transitional housing leads to what may have been temporary homelessness to chronic homelessness

o  Public Transportation

o   Lack of public transportation limits the opportunities for employment and as a result perpetuates the problem.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

We as citizens of St. Charles County can no longer turn a blind eye to a problem that exists in our own backyard.  It isn’t going to go away on its own. We need to recognize it and do what we can to minimize it.   This begins with public awareness and support. We have great organizations trying to do what they can, but they need your help!

 You can help them by letting your legislators know that homeless in St. Charles County is a real problem and they can no longer turn a blind eye.

 Please e-mail or call your State Senators today:

 Mr. Tom Dempsey

Capitol Office:
201 W Capitol Ave., Rm. 433
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1141
FAX: (573) 522-3383

tom.dempsey@senate.mo.gov

Mr. Scott Rupp

Capitol Office:
201 W Capitol Ave., Rm. 426
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-1282
FAX: (573) 526-4766
Toll-Free: 1-866-271-2844

scott.rupp@senate.mo.gov

PLEASE USE YOUR VOICE…

IT DOES MAKE A

 DIFFERENCE!

In addition, support the organizations that are working towards a solution:

Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service   www.jacares.org

Crider Health Center                         www.cridercenter.org

Our Lady’s Inn                                  www.ourladysinn.org

First Step Back Home                       www.firststepbackhome.net

Youth In Need                                  www.youthinnneed.org

** If your group or organization would be interested in a presentation on this issue please contact Nancy Cope, nancycope@ymail.com.