ST. LOUIS — Pastor Michael Robinson creates a warm environment at City Hope St. Louis, which is a new partner in the Cold Weather Outreach.
Within thirty minutes of opening, City Hope St Louis reaches full capacity.
"We want them to feel love dignity and respect," Robinson said.
But the love, dignity and respect he fills this cold-weather shelter with was violated Thursday night.
Showing a shovel, Pastor Robinson described the break-in that set the shelter back. "This was the shovel that we found laying out there that they used to pry open the door."
Thieves came in took a TV and office supplies. They also made their way into the offices, stealing essential items meant for their homeless guests.
"We no longer have any toiletries or hygiene kits at this location," he said. "I'm thinking over 200 pair of socks were taken."
Vandals didn't just break in -- they also broke the peace for many who call this home for a night.
John Arp isn't just a volunteer. He knows firsthand the struggle that many of their guests go through. "Who steals from a shelter that is providing for the community? You just took from someone who got nothing," he said.
He's walked in their shoes and still lives on the streets. Arp said a pair of socks can go a long way. "People will wear their socks until they fall off their feet," Arp said.
But even though they saw cold behavior the night before, Pastor Robinson said this will only motivate them to continue doing what they love: warming up the hearts of their guests.
For those who want to help out, socks and hygiene products are at the top of the shelter's list. You can also bring food -- they said they love a good casserole.
For monetary donations:
- Cash App - $CityHopeSTL
- PayPal - paypal.me/cityhopestl
- Mail - P.O. Box 21397 St. Louis, MO 63115
You can also volunteer as a way to give back.
For more information, you can head to their website here.
City Hope STL has several locations:
- 4371 Cook Ave
- 5631 Wells Ave
- 351 Chambers Road (opens Dec. 4)
November and March, the Cook and Wells location will be open depending on the weather; December through February, all locations will be open every night.
