ST. LOUIS — Freezing weather can be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prolonged exposure to cold, especially without proper clothing, can use up the body’s stored energy and result in illnesses like hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, can affect the brain and make a person unable to think clearly or move well, according to the CDC. Frostbite often occurs in the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks or chin and can permanently damage body tissues.
As temperatures drop, St. Louis-area organizations are opening their doors to help those dealing with homelessness or struggling to heat their homes stay warm. There are also resources available for Missouri and Illinois residents who are struggling to pay their heating bills this time of year.
Find a warming center
Warming shelters offer those dealing with homelessness or without heat at home an opportunity to avoid injury in extreme cold and secure a safe place to rest.
Click here for a map of warming centers in St. Louis, and click here for a map of warming centers in St. Louis County.
The United Way has a list of warming centers across the Bi-state area that open their doors to those seeking shelter during excessive cold. Click here to access the 2024-25 list, which is sorted by zip code. Each center has agreed to open during the hours listed in excessive cold conditions – when wind chill is expected to be -15 degrees or less or the stagnant air temperature is 15 degrees.
If you plan on visiting one of the centers, the United Way recommended calling ahead to ensure it is open when you plan to visit.
For assistance finding a location near you, you can dial 211 to connect with a specialist.
Get utility assistance
Heating bills can be expensive in the winter months. For those struggling to stretch their budget, there are resources available to cut down on the cost of energy bills.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that assists qualified families in paying energy bills, including electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel, oil or wood. If you're an Illinois resident, click here to learn eligibility requirements and how to apply for assistance. Missouri residents can click here.
Utility providers Spire Energy and Ameren have programs available to help customers with bills if they are struggling to pay.
Local nonprofit Heat Up St. Louis provides financial assistance to low-income, elderly, and disabled residents to help with heating bills. For assistance, it recommends telling your utility company you’re unable to pay and then contact one of its partnering social service agencies.
