The Crisis Direct Aid Program delivers aid to people in the St. Louis City and County who are in active crisis living on the streets. These services include referral to the appropriate social services agency, warm meals, water, personal hygiene, weather appropriate clothing, tents, heaters, propane and other items.
All Among Us operates the Crisis Direct Aid Services through a group of trained volunteers. We collaborate with other social services and safety net organizations.
The legacy of All Among Us began with this very type of engagement in the homeless community. It was one of the first services we delivered. In continuing to provide crisis direct aid, we gain continuous insight into the types of transformative services that are needed by individuals in all of our programs.
It is widely perceived that individuals become homeless after running out of money. In reality, people become homeless when they run out of relationships. They no longer have relationships with parents, siblings, spouses, or significant others, and often no relationship with their own children.
All Among Us makes regular visits to people experiencing homelessness in Downtown St. Louis. At these visits, we bring clothing, food, and hygiene items – but more importantly, we bring a willingness to listen. Establishing relationships with the unhoused helps them to learn who to trust. Then, we can help direct them to relevant services to address their health needs.
Data from the City of St. Louis shows that in 2016, 6,007 St. Louis residents received emergency housing, a rate of 19.3 per 1,000 population—almost four times the state average.
The equity score for inhabitants of City of St. Louis Department of Human Services subsidized emergency housing is 29/100. A score of 100 for homelessness indicates racial equality. This means the likelihood of homelessness among Black people in St. Louis is four times that of white people. It is important to note that equity is not our only focus; we want to improve outcomes for all.
