Mayor Lyda Krewson and YWCA Announce $1.3 million Grant for Housing for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Mayor Lyda Krewson is pleased to announce the City of St. Louis, through its Department of Human Services, has been awarded a $1.3 million federal grant to fight homelessness among survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be implemented by YWCA Metro St. Louis.

The agency’s application, submitted through the City’s Continuum of Care Program Competition was awarded in the full amount and is one of the largest grants awarded in the region.

“This grant will not only provide access to safe housing to give survivors a pathway to freedom, but it will also support housing advocacy, community engagement, and financial assistance,” Mayor Krewson said.

Using the grant, the City and YWCA Metro St. Louis will be able to work together to rapidly re-house the underserved population of women and children who are homeless due to domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking.

Survivors will also be given access to other vital resources from various community partners, including case management help from Healing Action, legal assistance from ArchCity Defenders, and housing coordination from Vatterott Properties.

“We have excellent non-profits working with our City government to improve the lives of women and children in St. Louis. That’s a big reason why HUD accepted the City’s collaborative grant application and awarded this money to us.

It will be spent effectively and with results,” Mayor Krewson said.
According to YWCA Metro St. Louis, domestic and sexual violence are leading causes of homelessness for women and families, and present unique barriers for gaining access to housing.

With this grant to the City, YWCA Metro St. Louis will be able to rapidly re-house up to 72 individuals and families.

“It takes a village to attack a problem this broad and complex. This grant gives YWCA and our partners the resources to change the trajectory of these families for the positive,” said Adrian Bracy, CEO of YWCA Metro St. Louis. If you or someone you know need assistance in escaping an abusive relationship, you can contact YWCA Metro St. Louis at (314) 531-1115.

Learn more about how the City’s Continuum of Care delivers housing and services that meet the specific needs of the homeless population.