About
The Care Service

For over 40 years, The Care Service has been working with the most vulnerable individuals and families in St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren Counties driven by its mission to serve those in crisis and to prevent homelessness and hunger.

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“The Care Service brought me out of a dark place. I had spent most of my money getting my three children and myself out of a toxic relationship with their father. We drove 2,200 miles home where we could stay temporarily in my mom’s apartment’s living room. I got a job immediately but had to file for bankruptcy, then I was in a car accident. It was almost impossible to find an apartment.

But my caseworkers at The Care Service were amazing–patient and caring. We took steps together, I picked up a second job, and they helped me get into a great place. I love it!”

–Valeria

What We Do

Where Hidden Needs Come to Light

While new buildings rise across our region, there are children living in motels, forced to switch schools every few months. There are hardworking single parents receiving eviction notices despite juggling two jobs. There are veterans who have served our country struggling to find stable housing and employment. There are seniors who worked their whole lives and are now unable to afford food, medicine, and a safe place to live. Countless others, unable to keep up and with no one to turn to, are teetering on the edge of homelessness.

Many people in our community are trapped in generational poverty, facing challenges that often go unnoticed. Lacking essential resources such as money and education, it is extremely hard to break the cycle of poverty and build a stable future.

By understanding and addressing these hidden struggles, we can provide the support and resources needed to help them overcome these barriers and achieve lasting change.

97%

of households that were within 21 days of an eviction received financial rental assistance and remained housed three months later.

90%

of families experiencing homelessness who exited the Housing program to permanent housing remained housed one year later.

78%

of households reported living in a place that is safe, secure, and stable three months after receiving financial housing assistance.

*2024 data

Featured Project at The Care Service

Making Room
Housing Campaign

Having a safe and secure place to live is recognized as a fundamental human right. Housing insecurity puts our families, especially children, at high risk. Our community is facing a shortage of affordable housing, with over 30,000 people in the Tri-County area living below the poverty line and struggling to find affordable housing.

For nearly 20 years, The Care Service has been operating transitional housing units, applying best practices that lead to successful placements, ongoing support, and long-term stability. We are committed to bringing more affordable and transitional housing to our community through our Making Room Housing Campaign. These homes provide much-needed relief to struggling families and individuals, easing the burden of housing instability and transforming not just their lives, but our entire community.

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