Street
Outreach

On any given day, more than 500 individuals have no place to call home in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties. They are taking refuge in tents hidden deep in the woods, in their cars stuffed with all of their belongings, under bridges to escape the outdoor elements, or literally on the streets.

Our Street Outreach team travels throughout the tri-county area to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness with basic survival and emergency needs while determining physical/mental health issues, with the goal of permanent housing placement.

2024 Program Outcomes

They (Street Outreach) are trying to help us get into a place, and they helped us get our ID and social security. I’m very grateful, they’re kind, they actually care.

Ben

If you don’t approach them (Street Outreach), apparently they will approach you… She’s brought food, water, and advice

Anna

“We cannot afford to simply wait for those who are already in crisis to find their way to us. We must find them,” said Miriam Mahan, Care Service Co-Founder. The Street Outreach team meets these individuals where they are—whether it is under a bridge, in a park, or in their car. Individuals are assessed to determine their most immediate needs, and are provided food and water, along with tangible items, such as socks, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

Street Outreach staff are familiar with, and have access to, a range of mainstream and community services designed to support those experiencing homelessness to regain stability. Street Outreach also collaborates with many community partners, including Showers of Blessing, Anchor House, Compass Health Network, Youth In Need, first responders, and local hospitals.