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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s State Emergency Management Agency has issued a winter weather preparedness message as the state heads into the colder months. That alert has homeless shelters across Mid-Missouri making early preparations to handle an anticipated increase in demand as temperatures begin to drop. According to the Missouri Balance of State Continuum of Care, sheltered homelessness in Mid-Missouri has decreased by 3% over the past year. However, the number of individuals living without shelter continues to rise. Jakib Propst, a man experiencing homelessness in Columbia, said he spends his days standing at intersections across the city, accepting donations after losing his job last year. "It's cold out here. I'm already sick I don't feel like getting anymore sick and getting hospitalized or possibly dying," Propst said. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said that 38 people died in 2024 as a result of low body temperatures caused by prolonged exposure to cold weather. Propst said that when his family has enough money, they are able to stay in a hotel temporarily to escape the cold. Data indicates that Boone County is once again seeing a steady increase in its homeless population. In 2024, Boone County recorded 323 individuals experiencing homelessness — 238 were sheltered, and 85 were unsheltered. The last time the county saw similar numbers was in 2022, when 336 individuals were recorded, but only 55 were unsheltered. Jermaine Whitaker is new to Columbia after relocating from St. Louis with his family. He said he has seven children he tries to provide for, and as temperatures drop, he plans to layer clothing to stay warm. Whitaker and his family are currently staying at a local hotel until they can find more permanent housing. On Sunday evening, a line formed outside of Room at the Inn, located at 1509 Ashley Street — just south of Interstate 70 — as individuals waited for doors to open at 4:30 p.m. for dinner. The shelter provides overnight accommodations, meals, and essential items for those seeking refuge from the cold. Executive Director of Room at the Inn John Trapp told ABC 17 News that the shelter increased its capacity to 103 beds, and by 7 p.m. Sunday, the facility had reached full occupancy. Trapp said shelter check-in runs nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In Jefferson City, Sarah Hamilton, chair for Room at the Inn, said the Salvation Army is providing cots for cold nights, while First Presbyterian Church officially opened its doors last week to assist those in need until JCRATI opens on Dec. 1. Hamilton added that organizers are considering opening the shelter earlier if temperatures continue to fall. Once open, the Jefferson City Room at the Inn will be able to accommodate up to 20 guests each night, operating from 5:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. Columbia offers several warming centers where individuals can go to escape the cold. These locations include: The Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) City Hall The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services building The Columbia Public Library The Salvation Army and Salvation Army Harbor House
