In a serene office park located in Bridgeton, Missouri, the clamor of construction resonates throughout the vicinity. Laurie Phillips, MBA ’99, MSW ’09, is ecstatic. As the executive director of Room at the Inn, a charity assisting homeless families, Phillips understands the significance this development will hold for her clients.
Once renovations are finalized, Room at the Inn will have the capacity to accommodate up to 35 children and adults simultaneously, a notable increase from the existing capacity of 20. The renovated area will offer a sanctuary where families can unwind, recuperate, access essential services, and transition into stable housing. New clusters of adjoining bedrooms will create a cozy environment for families of various sizes. An upgraded kitchen will facilitate cooking classes and communal meals.
The demand is significant, Phillips emphasizes, particularly in the aftermath of the expiration of COVID-era eviction bans. “Family homelessness rose 13% from 2023 to 2024 in St. Louis County,” she states. “The supply of shelter beds in the St. Louis metro is far from sufficient to meet the demand.”
The clients of Room at the Inn comprise children and their guardians, whether they are couples, single parents, or grandparents. These families may be fleeing a dangerous environment, be burdened with medical debt, be unwelcome living with relatives, or have lost their housing due to various other circumstances.
“There’s no standard explanation for why individuals find themselves in homelessness, and there’s no flawless remedy to assist everyone in overcoming it,” Phillips explains. “We offer a highly personalized and comprehensive approach for each client.”
Armed with an MBA and an MSW from WashU, Phillips is uniquely positioned to confront the challenges of overseeing an organization that delivers social services. During an earlier stage of her career, she attended Olin Business School while working full-time as an accountant at what was formerly the Monsanto Company.
Years later, while still employed at Monsanto, a volunteer opportunity through the United Way opened Phillips’ eyes to the realm of nonprofits. In her late 30s and with two young children at home, a conversation with a woman of similar age, who had experienced a dramatic life change following a stroke, profoundly impacted her. She resolved to change her career path, enrolling full time at the Brown School.
“Returning to school to study social work is the best choice I ever made,” she reflects. “It has enriched me in numerous ways.”
Phillips’ financial expertise and nuanced insight into social challenges paved the way for various roles in the nonprofit sector, including a nearly five-year tenure as CEO of St. Patrick Center in downtown St. Louis. In the fall of 2023, she embraced her current position at Room at the Inn. She has made significant progress during her initial year in the role, guiding an ongoing capital campaign and securing a temporary location for the organization during the ongoing renovations.
“It has been a year of tremendous transformation for everyone, myself included,” Phillips states. “I am genuinely eager for what lies ahead.”
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