Hoodline: St. Louis Mayor Signs New Legislation to Streamline Shelter Creation for Homeless
Felix Montoya, Hoodline
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has signed Board Bill 114 into law to help combat homelessness. The new legislation amends the city's zoning code to make it easier to establish shelters and transitional homes, offering hope for the unhoused population.
According to a release from the City of St. Louis, the bill streamlines applications and requires community notification and public hearings for new shelter proposals. "As we work to implement a regional housing strategy, this legislation helps support the interim needs of residents getting ready for the rehousing process," Mayor Jones said.
The bill focuses on reducing long waits for housing. Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the urgent need, stating, "On average, a person has to wait more than 700 days for community housing and more than 250 days for emergency shelter. With the passage of this bill, providers not only have a clear pathway through our zoning code to offer life-saving services, but our residents and departments now have a transparent, community-centered, and streamlined process that provides critical enforcement tools for safety and compliance," in the same release.
President of the Board of Aldermen, Megan Green, supported the legislation, recognizing the collective effort needed to help the city's vulnerable. "I want to thank Alderwoman Sonnier for her dedication to our unhoused neighbors and ensuring the city supports efforts to meet their needs," Green said, as per the City of St. Louis release.
Last month's Housing First STL Summit highlighted regional solutions to homelessness, leading to this bill. National experts agreed on the need for a Regional Emergency Rehousing System, which the bill aims to support. Adam Pearson, Director of the Department of Human Services, explained that the bill complements the system by ensuring sufficient housing options for those in need.
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