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Why Feeding the Homeless in Lucas Park is a BAD Idea

Have you ever fed the homeless at Lucas Park or conceived plans to do so?  If you were aware of the negative ramifications this poses to the homeless and the downtown community at-large, perhaps you would reconsider. Below are just some of the reasons why feeding the homeless in Lucas Park is a bad idea. 

  • You may prevent the homeless from being matched to a network of resources that can help them transition to a more normal lifestyle.  Professional homeless providers operate properly-licensed soup kitchens as a means to draw the homeless into their facilities.  Once in the facility, they can be registered and informed of the various resources available to include mental health evaluations and treatment, job training, welfare, social security, etc.  By feeding the homeless in the park, you do a disservice to those you aim to help.
  • You can make those who frequent the park sick and turn it into an eyesore.  Who cleans up after you leave?  Food left by homeless attracts rats and pigeons which can harm those that frequent the park.  Please see these public health resources on diseases spread by rats and pigeons.  Additionally, strewn chicken bones from feedings are quite common in the park and can cause damage to beloved pets who may attempt to ingest them.  Lastly, feedings in the park cause trash to build up and contribute to a community eyesore.
  • Your food can unintentionally make the homeless sick or malnourish them.  Do you or your organization have the equipment and expertise to safely prepare and store the foods that are served on a mobile basis?  Feeding the homeless in public is often unsanitary and can cause sickness.   Several outbreaks of food-bourne pathogens have already occurred at Lucas Park.  Additionally, ad-hoc feedings are typically nutritionally-deficient or not well-balanced.  A poor diet can contribute to core physical and mental problems that have resulted in the homeless state.
  • You are likely breaking the law.  Feeding the homeless in public is illegal without a proper license.
Effective Means of Combating Homelessness Around Lucas Park And Downtown St. Louis
  • Volunteer at service providers such as Centenary Church's Drop-in Center, which provides meal service to close to 200 homeless persons per day.  Many other organizations are listed below.
  • Donate funds to technically competetent homeless service providers like St. Patrick Center, Peter and Paul, Covenant House, the Sunshine Mission, Beyond Housing, and others listed below.
  • Raise the public's awareness to the regional problem of homelessness.  Contact the media (newspaper, television, radio) and let them know of general or specific issues you would like highlighted. 
  • Get your community or place of worship to help set up a shelter or drop in center, particularly if you live in the suburbs.  More than half of the homeless people in the St. Louis region are generated in the suburbs, and they would stay in the community where they lost their home if resources were available to them there.
Service Provider Contacts
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