(St. Louis, MO) – During a celebration at Barack Obama Elementary School, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) announced that neighborhoods across St. Louis will receive $2.5 million in affordable housing grants that will provide homes for over 195 of the city’s families.
The grant funds will be used to rehabilitate existing properties and construct supportive housing for homeless veterans and individuals. The projects will not only provide safe and decent housing, but also improve the communities those families live in and invigorate the local economy through the creation of jobs.
“The $2.5 million in new grants we are announcing today will help seniors and low income families rehab their homes and stay in the neighborhoods that they love,” commented Congressman Clay. “We are also funding a program with The Salvation Army to directly combat homelessness among veterans. The brave men and women who have worn the uniform of this country should never find themselves on the streets, without a safe place to call home. I am especially proud that the $2.5 million in new grants that we are announcing today in my congressional district are being funded without spending one tax dollar. As we work to reduce the deficit and pay down the national debt, here in St. Louis, we are building up our community in a fiscally responsible way.”
Home Rehabilitation
Two million dollars will be targeted to four communities that have some of the oldest housing units in the city. Many of these homes are in need of necessary improvements, such as new roofs or foundations, but these improvements are not being made due to the lack of household income.
“These improvements are crucial in promoting community sustainability, maintaining property values and preserving housing stock for existing and future generations,” said Tyrone Turner, director of housing and asset development, Better Family Life, Inc. This is the second year the organization has received funds for its
West End Home Repair Program and it is anticipated a total of 100 homes will be rehabilitated. Midwest BankCentre partnered with Better Family Life, Inc. to secure the funds.
Beyond Housing and their partners, Midwest BankCentre and First National Bank of St. Louis, will use the grant funds to transform 96 homes in the Hillsdale, Pagedale and Pinelawn communities. In total, Beyond Housing has used $2.0 million in AHP grants to improve 40 homes over the past two years.
“This program is instrumental in helping residents improve their homes and enhance their neighborhood,” said Chris Krehmeyer, executive director, Beyond Housing. The home repair programs are an important part of Beyond Housing’s broad scale community building work in all 24 communities that comprise the Normandy School District.
New Construction for Veterans
Nearly $500,000 will be awarded to the
Salvation Army St. Louis Veterans Housing project. Transitional and permanent housing, along with critical supportive services such as substance abuse treatment and job training, will be provided. “There is a huge need for the project. It is estimated that there are over 1,300 homeless people in the city of St. Louis, of which 300 are veterans," said Gary Busiek, divisional social services director for The Salvation Army. “Since before the Great War, The Salvation Army has been working with our armed forces. Locally, The Salvation Army has been helping Veterans for decades at its Harbor Light Center. This new building will be a great step forward to providing them the support they need after serving our country.” Heartland Bank partnered with The Salvation Army to secure the funds.
"The collective efforts of FHLB Des Moines, its members and their partners will create housing opportunities for families that may not otherwise have access to affordable homes,” said John Kennedy, FHLB Des Moines director. Each year, FHLB Des Moines returns 10 percent of its net income to communities throughout its district through the Affordable Housing Program. These grants assist in the development of affordable owner-occupied and rental housing for very low- to moderate-income households.
In 2011, the Bank awarded $15 million in grants through its member institutions including, First National Bank of St. Louis, Heartland Bank and Midwest BankCentre, to fund 45 housing projects, which will help create or renovate 1,800 housing units across the FHLB Des Moines five state district. Over $5 million was committed to projects in Missouri.
For More Information:
Megan Feld
FHLB Des Moines
515.868.1897
mfeld@fhlbdm.com
Steve Engelhardt
Office of Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01)
314.504.4029
