In 1989, at the request of the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services and in response to the growing crisis of homelessness, the agency opened a 24-hour shelter to benefit homeless single women and families.

Today, the agency sponsors the largest and most comprehensive 24-hour shelter for women and families in the St. Louis Bi-state region. Residents also have access to a full range of supportive activities, all designed to empower them to complete the steps necessary to move into housing.

Over the course of the agency's history, other social service organizations have merged with Gateway Homeless Services including; Aunts & Uncles, Christian Ministries, and Someone Cares Mission. Building relationships of trust and mutual benefit with organizations like these and others within the St. Louis City/County Continuum of Services enables Gateway to lead the way in providing emergency shelter services.

Gateway Homeless Services is a nonprofit organization and maintains a nonsectarian environment; however, the organization is affiliated with many faith communities, religious organizations and civic groups. Although Gateway Homeless Services does not espouse or disseminate any religious doctrine; the organization does acknowledge the importance of spiritual direction and encouragement, providing residents with access to such support from many organizations which choose to partner with Gateway to strengthen services to homeless people in our community.