St. Louis city and county officials are expanding emergency shelter services as freezing temperatures approach the region this weekend, providing additional places for people experiencing homelessness to escape the cold.
The city has secured 100 additional overflow beds, bringing its total shelter capacity to approximately 500 for Friday through Sunday, Nov. 13-15. The additional space will be available beginning Friday at 6 p.m. for men, women and families.
The expansion comes ahead of the city’s annual Code Blue program, which officially begins Dec. 1. City officials said they worked with the National Weather Service and local service providers to prepare for the approaching cold weather.
St. Louis County opened its seasonal emergency warming shelter Monday, Nov. 9, at the Salvation Army Family Haven, 10740 Page Ave. The shelter will remain open through March 5, 2027.
Unlike programs that activate only when temperatures reach a certain threshold, the county shelter has no minimum temperature requirement for admission.
The facility provides three hot meals daily, showers, laundry facilities, case management, employment assistance and other support services. Staff members are available around the clock.
Weekday walk-in services are also available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Loaves and Fishes, 2055 Concourse Drive in the Westport area. Services include shelter referrals, meals, showers and assistance connecting with other resources.
Residents seeking emergency shelter in either the city or county should call 211. United Way operators can help identify available shelter locations and assist with referrals.
The National Weather Service forecasts overnight lows in the mid-20s Friday and Saturday, with highs in the 40s during the day. Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 50s Sunday before dropping below freezing again overnight.
Missouri residents struggling to heat their homes also have protections under the state’s Cold Weather Law, which took effect Nov. 1 and remains in effect through March 31. The law restricts heat-related utility disconnections during periods of freezing weather, although unpaid bills remain the customer’s responsibility.
Financial assistance with heating bills is available through Missouri’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Residents can apply through the Missouri Department of Social Services at dss.mo.gov or contact their local community action agency for assistance.