When the mercury drops in Laclede County, Missouri, the community’s public‑safety and charitable groups have joined forces to make sure families and individuals can find the help they need. The county’s 911 operations recently posted an online resource list that points residents to warming shelters, food banks and addiction‑recovery assistance throughout the area.
Collaboration born from the pandemic
Amber Meredith, the leader of the free‑store nonprofit in Lebanon, praised the cooperative effort. “It started during COVID that Lebanon and Laclede County finally started working together,” she said. “And it’s been wonderful, a wonderful season since then. Everybody is willing to work together instead of each organization trying to do it all alone. It’s been very, very helpful.”
The resource list, posted on the county’s 911 website, includes contact information for several key services:
- Warming shelters – locations where residents can find a safe, heated environment during cold nights.
- Food banks – agencies that distribute groceries and meals to families facing food insecurity.
- Addiction‑recovery assistance – programs that offer counseling, treatment referrals and support for those battling substance‑use disorders.
County emergency‑management officials emphasized that the list is intended to be a one‑stop reference for anyone in need, especially as the holiday season approaches and many families face added financial strain.
How to access the information
Residents can view the compiled resources by visiting the Laclede County 911 website or by calling the 911 non‑emergency line for guidance. The list is regularly updated to reflect any changes in service hours or availability.
Local churches, civic groups and volunteer organizations have also been encouraged to share the resource list with their congregations and networks, further extending the reach of the assistance.
Community impact
By centralizing information, the county hopes to reduce duplication of effort and ensure that help reaches those who need it most, faster. The collaborative model reflects a broader trend in Laclede County of public‑private partnerships that prioritize family stability and community well‑being.
“When we all pull together, we protect our neighbors and uphold the values that make our county strong,” Meredith added.
For updates or to report any inaccuracies in the resource list, residents are asked to contact the Laclede County 911 office directly.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
