Safe to Sleep is the only low-barrier shelter for women in the city, providing a safe
place to stay and support to help them get back on their feet. Since 2012, we’ve
sheltered over 4,000 women – and helped 180 of them secure permanent housing in
the last five years. But right now, we’re operating out of a temporary space – a church
gymnasium – which just isn’t a long-term solution.
The city of Springfield charter prevents shelters from operating in proximity to
neighborhoods and other shelters – making site selection difficult. It is only due to an
“economic calamity” exception that STS has been able to operate in its present state.
With the sunset of this provision always looming, STS will never achieve the stability
or permanence we desire for our guests.
While we are truly grateful to our church partner for making our guests welcome for
over a decade, both the location and limited space present challenges. And we
recognize that neighbors – including an elementary school – have concerns about
safety and the impact on their community. These are real challenges that have
complicated our work for years – and all which will be resolved by bringing the shelter to 3055 E. Division.
Homelessness is growing in Springfield and shelter space is limited. Safe to Sleep is
the only low barrier emergency women’s shelter within a 200-mile radius. This crisis
affects everyone, and we need real solutions, not temporary band-aids.
Homelessness isn’t just a personal struggle – it costs the entire community. Studies
show that each unsheltered person racks up about $30,587 a year in expenses like
emergency medical care, policing, and jail time. With an estimated 1,100 Springfield
residents experiencing homelessness today, that’s more than $33 million annually.
Addressing homelessness isn’t just the compassionate thing to do – it’s critical.
We need to act now. A permanent shelter means stability for women in crisis, a more
cost-effective solution for our community, and a thoughtful approach to addressing
homelessness. We have an opportunity to do something meaningful – to ensure that
help and hope is within reach for our most vulnerable neighbors.