Through programs such as Open Doors, Homeless Awareness Week and Homeward Bound, the Center for Leadership and Community Service at Saint Louis University aims to not only help people, but also raise awareness of the issues of poverty and homelessness to the SLU community.
St. Louis and the surrounding counties-Jefferson, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Louis County, St. Charles and Warren – had a 69 percent increase in homelessness from 1998 to last year according to a recent study taken by the Missouri Association for Social Welfare.
The rise in the homeless is mainly attributed to the life changes for the working poor; those individuals and families who have been scraping by, being forced into their position by a number of factors such as illness, loss of medical insurance, high utility bills and welfare reform.
A person lacking a permanent place to live is considered homeless. Homeless people live in shelters, with relatives or friends, on the streets and in places that are not considered fit for human habitation.
“Homelessness in the St. Louis area has always been a problem,” said Bernie Schaefer, director of CLCS. “This year it is more at a forefront because of the economic year we have been having.”
The Center hosts Homeward Bound and Open Doors, the two largest outreach days in the city, to combat the issue and assist the homeless.
“One good response to homelessness is that we are actively involved in these one-day outreach programs,” Schaefer said.
Open Doors is a day of hospitality for the homeless. The Center opens its doors to the local St. Louis Community shelters and their clients to come onto campus and participate. There are many agencies at the event to assistant those in need. Donations are being collected from local businesses and the center has asked student organizations to help out as well.
Last week the clothing and toiletry drive began. These items collected through the drive will be distributed at the 6th annual event on Monday, April 8.
The Center has placed collection bins throughout campus in high traffic areas, such as administrative buildings, residence halls, academic buildings and garages.
“For students and the community, this brings the reality of poverty right to our front door,” said Josah Driml, Open Doors coordinator.
“Homeless Awareness Week is meant to be educational. The idea is to educate the community on the problems of homelessness, why people are homeless, how they become homeless and more,” Schaefer said.
