Summer is often associated with outdoor activities and family vacations, but for people without reliable air conditioning or access to safe indoor spaces, extreme heat can quickly become dangerous—and even life-threatening. That is why United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) and its 211 referral line plays such an important role during the hottest months of the year. Available 24/7, 211 connects neighbors across Missouri and Southwest Illinois to critical community resources, including cooling centers operated by trusted nonprofit partners. Together, 211 and these local organizations help ensure residents have a safe place to cool off, access support and connect with services that can strengthen their overall well-being.
YWCA of Southwestern Illinois
The YWCA supports women and families when they are most vulnerable, helping them overcome challenges such as poverty and unsafe living conditions. Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA of Southwestern Illinois, encourages neighbors to contact 211 to learn more about local cooling centers and other available resources.
“At YWCA of Southwestern Illinois, we know that a visit to our heating and cooling center is much more than about weather,” said Dorothy. “Through 211 Powered by United Way of Greater St. Louis, people can connect with a safe, welcoming place where they can cool off, stay warm, and learn more about programs and resources that may help strengthen their lives and support their families.”
St. Patrick Center
St. Patrick Center transforms lives by providing sustainable housing and healthcare services to individuals and families at risk of homelessness. With compassion, healing, help, and hope, the organization welcomes those seeking a safe place to escape dangerous heat. Chris Stephen, Executive Director of the St. Patrick Center, is eager to lend a helping hand during the summer months and beyond.
“Our welcome center is open from 8AM-4PM, Monday-Friday to provide a cool, inviting space for individuals to seek respite from the heat, and the option to get connected to wraparound services for housing assistance, behavioral health and substance use, and employment support,” said Chris. “St. Patrick Center is proud to be listed as a community partner with 211 and encourages individuals to call to find available cooling resources and support in their community.”
Senior Services Plus
Senior Services Plus serves as an advocate and resource for older adults, connecting them to support that promotes healthy, independent lifestyles. During extreme heat, the organization provides a cool and safe place to stay cool and connect to critical support. Emily Jackson, Director of Development for Senior Services Plus, Inc., says keeping our seniors cool and safe will be one of their primary goals over the course of the summer months.
“As a designated cooling center, we provide a safe, welcoming environment for older adults during periods of extreme heat while serving as a trusted connection point to community resources and support services,” said Emily. “We help older adults navigate and access benefits, programs, and services available throughout the community, in part thanks to 211, as well as those offered through our organization.”
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army works with the community to provide spiritual, emotional and physical needs for our local neighbors. Their motto of Doing the Most Good applies to so many different areas, including extreme heat relief efforts that can save lives. Lakeysha Fields, Associate Divisional & St. Louis Regional Social Services Director for The Salvation Army, leads their efforts to provide a holistic approach to help local neighbors overcome the summer’s heat, and so much more.
“A cooling center can be a life-saving resource,” said LaKeysha. “The Salvation Army not only provides relief from the heat, but also hydration, material resources, case management, and other holistic services to support a safe and thriving community. 211 continues to be the connector, linking individuals and providing access to our many available resources.”
Last year, 211 connected more than 254,000 people to resources and support in their community. Anyone in need of a cooling center or other resources can contact 211 or visit 211Helps.org.
Take action now:
- See a full list of cooling centers throughout the St. Louis region.
- Share this story with family and friends.
