BRIDGETON, Mo. – The nonprofit Room at the Inn has been helping homeless families for more than 30 years. Laurie Phillips, the agency’s executive director, is excited about a federal grant allowing the 24-hour shelter to renovate and expand its Bridgeton location.
“We are always full, and there are always families that need support,” she said.
Phillips’ shelter is one of only three emergency shelters in St. Louis County.
Room at the Inn currently helps approximately 8-10 families daily, which equates to a total of 20 individuals. The renovation is expected to allow the agency to help an additional 15 individuals daily.
The agency will need a temporary location during renovations.
Phillips thought the agency had a solution when temporary space was offered at the vacant rectory of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church in Florissant. But the city’s elected leaders failed to vote on the agency’s required zoning change.
The City of Florissant declined to comment Monday. Phillips said her agency must now find temporary space before the end of the year to prevent the federal grant money from being jeopardized.
Some Florissant residents living near the church expressed concerns about the temporary plan because the church is in a residential area.
Phillips described the individuals her agency has helped as those who suffered a job layoff, a medical condition, or a domestic situation that resulted in a loss of income.
“We see parents who are really looking to make a better life for their children,” she said.
One resident living next door to the church said she’s familiar with Room at the Inn and would have welcomed the plan.
“I would embrace having people here in order to house them, especially knowing that we’re giving them a place to stay while their other home is currently under construction,” Florissant resident Maryfran Lancaster said.
“Things happen where people need help,” Ramona Brown, a former Room at the Inn client who now works for the agency as an advocate, added. “I love my job.”
Phillips appreciates the support Room at the Inn has received from the St. Louis community over the years and is hopeful she will find a solution soon.
