Securing the Victory of Self-Sufficiency
Advocates' care receivers have already done the hardest part: they've overcome immense odds, secured a job, and moved toward stable housing. They are earning their success, not waiting for a handout.
But the journey out of homelessness is fragile. One unexpected event—a sudden car repair needed to get to work, an unavoidable medical bill, or a gap in childcare—can wipe out their savings and force them back onto the street.
Advocates Crisis Intervention Funding is the ultimate safety net. It’s an emergency reserve that provides a one-time, targeted financial injection to cover the gap when a personal crisis threatens to unravel their hard-won stability.
Your donation to Advocates STL doesn't just treat an emergency; it protects an income, preserves a home, and secures a life of self-reliance.
We ask you to fund the last mile of stability. Help us ensure that every Advocates STL care receiver who has climbed out of the crisis stays out for good.
Advocates STL is a new Missouri Nonprofit Corporation and has not yet attained Federal 501(c)(3) status, but you can make a donation to Bridge Bread Bakery and designate the Housing Incentive by clicking the link below. You can also donate unrestricted funds to Bridge Bread Bakery to fund its mission purpose of restorative employment.
There is a formal criteria for determining eligibility for crisis funding: Criteria for Crisis Funding
Expenses caused by crisis that may qualify for payment by Advocates STL:
Rent and Utilities while an Inpatient and not covered by PTO or the Housing Incentive Program
Includes inpatient treatment for addiction and serious mental illness
Legal Fees
Prescription Drugs
Fresh Food when newly housed
Bus Passes before first paycheck
Uninsured Casualty Loss
Tuition and Fees for approved education and training
Unexpected Medical Expenses
To ensure that Advocates STL funding is managed ethically, consistently, and without compromising the hard-won trust established by the volunteers, the process is highly structured and prioritize confidentiality and objectivity.
Advocates STL uses a four-step formal process to evaluate and award emergency funds. It intentionally uses an Advocates Leader to shield the lay Advocate volunteers from confidential identifying information and potential boundary issues.
Awards are made based on a decision by Advocates STL and the scores from this process.