County Veterans' and Homeless Programs
Homeless Services Program
Saint Louis County residents who are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis can seek assistance by calling the Emergency Shelter Hotline. The Hotline is a centralized intake and referral system that can be accessed by calling a single number (314-802-5444). The caller is interviewed by an intake specialist, and if in crisis, is referred to either emergency shelter or rent/mortgage/utility assistance. The Hotline is the result of a collaboration between the City of Saint Louis and Saint Louis County, who jointly fund the program.
To access homeless services in Saint Louis County, call:
HOMELESS HOTLINE - 314-802-5444 (VOICE)
Toll Free - 1-866-802-7155
For Hearing or Speech Impaired - 314-802-5348 (TTY)
While in shelter, clients work with a case manager who assists them with identification of their issues and problems and plans a course of action that will return them to permanent housing and independence. For individuals and families in need of cash assistance, Saint Louis County contracts with social service agencies to administer rent, mortgage, and utility grants; conduct budgeting classes; teach landlord/tenant responsibilities; identify available, affordable housing; and follow-up with families to prevent housing crisis. Any individual living in shelter is eligible for mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence assessment and/or referral services. Children living in shelter are eligible for educational assessment services and transportation services.
County Veterans Program
ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Information and referral
The Saint Louis County Veterans Program networks with numerous agencies and organizations that can help veterans and their families. We maintain a large database of referral sources.
Explanation of benefits and services
Though veterans are not directly represented in VA disability claims, the staff has a rich knowledge of benefits and services and provides case management and qualified referrals.
Case Management
Many customers are looking for someone to help them sort out their problems. Case managers help define presenting problems, prioritize needs and work with veterans toward solutions of their problems.
Veterans Resource Directory
This comprehensive directory of information and referral sources provides agency personnel and human service professionals with an organized approach toward resource management.
Special Projects
Our Saint Louis County Veterans Program has created linkages with local, state, and federal agencies and veterans' service organizations. It has been instrumental in creating the St. Louis Area Stand Down Committee, which produces two events annually that provide services to homeless veterans. The office provides oversight and facilitation for Veterans Benefits Fairs, Homeless Veterans Burial Program, Transportation for Mobility Impaired Veterans and a Speakers Bureau. These efforts are particularly important as they link federal, county, not-for-profit, and private sector partners to assist Saint Louis County veterans and their families.