St. Louis Public Radio
Deeann Phillips has spent more than a year with the Women's Night Program and hopes to be able to move into her own apartment in the next few months. The program supports women experiencing homelessness who are also struggling with mental health disorders, substance abuse or domestic violence.
Last March, Deeann Phillips moved from a rural area of Illinois into a tent encampment near the Mississippi River in St. Louis — a jarring experience that left her feeling frightened and isolated.
“It was such a culture shock,” said Phillips, who relied on donated food and supplies brought to the camp by outreach volunteers. “You can’t really take care of your health when you’re down there.”