Every family deserves a safe, stable home—a foundation that allows children to grow, parents to thrive, and communities to flourish. Yet for many families in St. Louis, systemic inequities, housing instability, and domestic violence make this fundamental right feel out of reach. At YWCA Metro St. Louis, we know that housing security is not just about a roof over one’s head—it is central to the ability to parent, heal, and build a hopeful future.
Access to affordable, stable housing has far-reaching impacts on maternal and child health. Studies consistently show that housing instability is linked to higher stress levels, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other health complications for infants.[1] Families experiencing eviction or frequent moves often struggle to maintain consistent healthcare, nutrition, and early learning opportunities. In St. Louis, nearly one in four renters spend more than half their income on housing, placing additional strain on families’ ability to meet basic needs.[2] Long-term, these disruptions can have lasting consequences on child development, including increased risk of behavioral, educational, and emotional challenges.[3]
“Housing is so much more than just a roof over someone’s head: it’s the foundation for peace of mind and family stability,” says Ngozi Jackson, YWCA’s Housing Program Supervisor. ” When families know they have a safe place to call home, parents can breathe a little easier, focus on their children, handle medical needs, and start to build a future. Without stability, even the simplest parts of life like parenting can feel overwhelming.”
YWCA Metro St. Louis offers comprehensive services to support families at this critical intersection of housing and family well-being. Through our Crisis and Housing Services, we provide emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, rental and utility assistance, and case management. We work closely with clients to connect them with healthcare providers, counseling, employment support, and other essential resources, ensuring that housing stability is paired with holistic family support.
Prenatal services are an integral part of this approach. LaWanda Jones, Prenatal Services Administrator shares a recent example: “One of our newly enrolled pregnant clients was struggling to pay her rent after being laid off. She reached out to her prenatal services worker, and we were able to cover a month of rent on her behalf. She was deeply grateful for the support, and it made a real difference in her ability to focus on her health and her pregnancy.” Stories like this illustrate how immediate housing assistance, combined with prenatal care and case management, can reduce stress, protect maternal and infant health, and provide families with a pathway to stability.
Domestic violence further compounds housing instability. Survivors often face the impossible choice between leaving an abusive home and having nowhere to go. YWCA supports these families through trauma-informed advocacy, safe shelter, and housing navigation, ensuring that survivors can escape dangerous situations without sacrificing the stability their children need.
YWCA’s work recognizes that safe, stable homes are not a luxury—they are a necessity for family well-being. By combining housing support, prenatal care, early childhood education, and holistic family services, YWCA Metro St. Louis helps families build a secure foundation that supports long-term health, safety, and opportunity.
Ending violence and instability in families requires a community effort. You can support YWCA Metro St. Louis by donating to support housing programs and family support services, joining our Giving Club to sustain life-changing assistance, or signing up for our newsletter to stay engaged in advocacy and action. When families are supported in their homes, children flourish, parents regain hope, and communities grow stronger. Together, we can ensure that every child and parent has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.
[1] Pierce K, Mendelsohn A, et al. Trajectories of Housing Insecurity From Infancy to Adolescence and Adolescent Health Outcomes. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2024
[2] U.S. Census Bureau. Burdened Households (5-year estimate) in St. Louis County, MO. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 2023.
[3] Gaitán V. How Housing Instability Affects Children. Urban Institute. 2025.
ABOUT YWCA:
YWCA Metro St. Louis is the region’s leading advocate for the safety, security and stability of women and children, serving nearly 10,000 women and families annually. The mission of YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. YWCA offers crisis services and rapid re-housing for victims of sexual and domestic violence; services for pregnant women, Head Start and Early Head Start early childhood education; career readiness and economic empowerment services for all clients; and racial justice educational programs.