As a dangerous cold snap grips the region, St. Louis shelters are bracing for what is anticipated to be one of their busiest weekends yet, operating under the city’s “Code Blue” emergency preparedness plan. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, in effect through midnight on Sunday, warning that wind chills are projected to plummet to between 10 and 20 degrees below zero overnight Saturday. Officials are emphasizing the severe risks, noting that frostbite and hypothermia can set in within mere minutes if individuals lack adequate shelter and protection from the extreme elements.
The “Code Blue” Initiative in Action
The city’s Department of Human Services has proactively extended the “Code Blue” alert, ensuring that 24-hour emergency shelter operations remain open through at least Wednesday, December 17th. This initiative represents a comprehensive, coordinated citywide effort designed to safeguard vulnerable populations from the harsh winter conditions. Key components include increasing the availability of shelter beds, providing enhanced transportation options to and from shelters, and implementing more flexible intake requirements to ensure no one is turned away due to minor administrative hurdles.
Anthony D’Agostino, CEO of Peter & Paul Community Services, a prominent organization involved in homeless services, has described the current coordinated effort as the most organized he has witnessed in over a decade of working in the field.
“The operation has been fantastic,” D’Agostino stated. “It’s the first year with a new administration that’s prioritized bringing people inside. Everyone that I know is talking about how this is a huge difference. I mean, you put your money where your mouth is, to be honest with you, and there is more money than we’ve ever seen, prioritized towards keeping people safe and alive this winter.”
He further elaborated on the typical demand for shelter services, noting that a surge typically occurs when temperatures dip into single digits. “Tonight will be very cold… that’s not sustainable and it’s not good for the clients who are outside,” he added, underscoring the urgency of the current situation.
City Response and Tornado Recovery Efforts
Rasmus Jorgensen, press secretary for the mayor’s office, provided an update on the city’s capacity, stating that there are currently 285 emergency shelter beds available. This number can be expanded to 345 if the demand necessitates it.
“So far through this Code Blue, we haven’t filled that capacity completely, so that’s a good thing. People can call 211 to get connected with shelter beds and transportation,” Jorgensen advised.
Beyond the immediate need for cold-weather shelter, the city is extending crucial support to families still contending with the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck on May 16th. Mayor Cara Spencer announced a significant $10 million initiative on Thursday aimed at assisting these families. This initiative will cover hotel stays and provide emergency rental assistance specifically for families with children and seniors aged 65 and older who were impacted by the tornado.
“We’re putting people up in hotel rooms and providing rental assistance for tornado-affected residents,” Jorgensen explained. “We want to think long term here. It’s going to be a long winter, so hotel rooms and rental assistance are going to be something that’s available for more people as we move along this winter.”
At Peter & Paul Community Services, D’Agostino confirmed that they are already seeing tornado survivors seeking assistance.
“Whether it’s they are a tornado victim, and they’re in a home that has no electricity… or it’s someone who’s sleeping in an abandoned area or underneath a bridge, it doesn’t matter,” he emphasized. “This cold is really dangerous for the health.”
Accessing Assistance and Staying Safe
For individuals in need of shelter or transportation, the central point of contact is the 211 hotline. Operators at 211 can direct individuals to the nearest available open shelter.
Walk-up shelters are operating nightly through 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Peter & Paul – Jugan Shelter
3225 N. Florissant Ave.
(Serves single men, women, and families)Biddle Housing Opportunities Center
1212 N. 13th St.
(Serves men only)Peter & Paul – Sidney Shelter
112 Sidney St.
(Serves men and women)
For those requiring assistance after 9 p.m., transportation arrangements can be made by calling 211. Additionally, information on rally points for transportation can be found on the city’s warming centers webpage.
City officials are strongly urging all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their neighbors during this period of extreme cold. This includes checking on vulnerable neighbors, dressing in multiple warm layers, and bringing pets indoors to protect them from the frigid temperatures. The extreme cold is expected to persist into Sunday night.