For Tara Lang, the need for overnight shelter in Jefferson County became impossible to ignore during her first winter working closely with the unhoused and underserved.

As the weather changed, Lang said she began helping individuals and families look for warming shelters and other cold-weather resources. What she found troubled her.

Jefferson County had daytime warming options through places like libraries and other facilities during business hours. But when those buildings closed, the question became much harder.

Where were people supposed to go overnight?

“There are a lot of cold nights in a Missouri winter,” Lang said. “We don’t have anything for that in our county either.”

Lang said some families may have a vehicle and gas for the moment, but that is not a real safety plan. Others may be outside, sleeping in tents, staying near buildings, or trying to survive wherever they can.

Then Lang heard a story that stayed with her.

A man was found near the Aldi in High Ridge during the winter. A good Samaritan recognized that he was in serious condition and got him to the hospital. Lang said the man ultimately lost seven fingers.

Afterward, St. Vincent de Paul walked with him through recovery, helping him get to medical appointments and even tailoring clothing and shoes to help him manage after surgery.

“That happened in our community,” Lang said. “This just can’t go on.”

For Lang, the story underscored the need for an inclement weather shelter. She said even if a full shelter is difficult to create, the county should at least have a safe place for people to go when temperatures become dangerous.

That kind of shelter would not only serve people who are unhoused.

Lang said it could also help a senior whose heater breaks, a family facing an emergency, or anyone who suddenly has nowhere safe to stay during extreme cold.

This past winter, Jefferson County opened an emergency overnight shelter at the Salvation Army in Arnold based on temperature thresholds. Lang said that effort later shifted to Festus for a short period after organizers noticed more people in need were using the shelter there.

The experience helped local organizers learn what worked, what did not, and what may be needed before next winter.

Lang said transportation is also a major factor. Jefferson County is spread out, and people in crisis may not be able to get from one part of the county to another.

For her, the larger point is simple: Jefferson County needs to be more proactive.

How the Community Can Get Involved

Lang said residents can support efforts to create an inclement weather shelter before the next winter season arrives.

Churches, nonprofits, public officials, emergency responders, and volunteers can help by discussing locations, staffing, transportation, supplies, and safety procedures. Residents can also donate to organizations already serving the unhoused and underserved, including groups that provide meals, clothing, transportation, and emergency assistance.

Most importantly, Lang said the community must recognize that cold-weather shelter is about safety.

When temperatures drop, having nowhere to go can become a medical emergency.