February 01, 2024

Congresswoman Bush Announces Over $17 Million in Homelessness Assistance Funding to Missouri’s First District

Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2024) — Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) announced $17,164,010 in program awards for housing justice projects in Missouri’s First District. The grant awards deliver $14,459,229 to programs in St. Louis City and $2,704,781 to St. Louis County. Through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care program, organizations in Missouri’s First District specializing in affordable housing, unhoused services, and transitional housing for those undergoing intimate partner violence will receive this funding. These funds are desperately needed, particularly in light of a 12 percent increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness reported in 2023.

“As someone who has experienced the trauma of being unhoused, I know personally the importance of funding housing justice initiatives in our community. Through this HUD funding, we will be able to support organizations keeping people housed and saving lives in St. Louis,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush. “While I continue to fight for policies that affirm housing as a human right on Capitol Hill, I will continue securing federal funding for life-saving organizations in St. Louis working to address the root causes of homelessness.”

"Addressing the root causes of homelessness requires both a coalition of partners with a shared mission to keep people housed and the resources to make that mission a reality," said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "From American Rescue Plan Act funds to these latest awards from HUD, our Congresswoman Cori Bush continues to deliver the necessary resources for our unhoused neighbors. I also extend my gratitude to HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge for her critical support for the most vulnerable in the City of St. Louis."

Throughout her tenure, Congresswoman Bush has remained a steadfast advocate for housing justice:

  • In August of 2023, Congresswoman Bush reintroduced the Unhoused Bill of Rights which provides a plan to end the unhoused crisis by 2027 and achieve housing justice for all.
  • Last year, she joined her fellow Co-Chairs to re-establish the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness—a caucus dedicated to educating members of Congress and their staff on the complex issues faced by unhoused persons. As Co-Chair, Congresswoman Bush led over 100 of her colleagues in a letter to the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee emphasizing the need for bold federal investments in affordable housing initiatives and homeless assistance programs in Fiscal Year 24.
  • In February of 2023, Congresswoman Bush joined Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) in sending letters to Greystar Real Estate and the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) to ensure renters’ rights are being protected during the tenant screening process.