Success in community development doesn’t happen overnight. But with steadfast commitment and long-term dedication, the success stories appear and signs of real momentum and lasting progress can be seen.
Thanks to the continued support of donors and partner organizations, 2018 will be remembered as a pivotal year for the work of Beyond Housing, the 24:1 Community Land Trust and everyone living and working in the 24:1 Community. A year where success materialized on a bigger scale—just ten years after launching the 24:1 Initiative to strengthen the 24 municipalities within the Normandy school district and improve the lives of its many families and citizens.
There Were Many Great Accomplishments in 2018 Including:
- 41 new homes that are currently being built in Pine Lawn, which will transform neighborhoods and lives for generations to come.
- Project Clear—a much needed $5 million-dollar municipal development project in Pine Lawn to improve storm water mitigation, street enhancements, new sidewalks and beautify the area along Pasadena Boulevard with trees and a beautiful new park.
- $1.5 million in grants for owner-occupied home repairs
- The demolition of 100 homes beyond repair, removing dilapidated and unsafe housing
- The opening of the 24:1 Coffee House/Café, providing residents with a place to meet and gather, great coffee and food, and an affirmation that their community is improving and growing.
Broader Accomplishments for 2018 Were Numerous, Including:
- Major and significant funding from corporate partners including Express Scripts, Boeing, Edward Jones, Emerson, and Ameren.
- In its 3rd year of operation, the 24:1 Cinema had over 80,000 people come through their doors.
- In its 7th year, the Save-A-Lot grocery store achieved $5 million in sales, providing residents with convenient access to healthy affordable food.
- Midwest BankCentre is now a $40 million dollar branch, and has exceeded expectations 3 times the projected level of deposits.
- Affinia Healthcare has been a huge success with over 3,000 residents receiving health care services and resources.
- At the start of the school year, our Beyond the Backpack program handed out thousands of backpacks full of school supplies to ensure that kids have everything they need to be successful in school.
- Our Family Engagement Liaisons (FELS) embedded in each of the Normandy schools continued their work of connecting families with resources ranging from food and uniforms to health care services and mentoring.
- The Pagedale Family Support Center continued to provide after school care and a place for children to do homework, get a hot meal, along with mental health support for children who have seen too much trauma in their young lives.
- Our Holiday Friends gift-giving program helped more families than ever, providing gifts to over 1000 children living in the 24:1 Community.
- BJC Behavioral Health will soon be opening next to Affinia to provide much needed mental health care services and resources to children and adults.
- In 2019, we are working on a new two-story, 18,000 square foot development on the corner of Page and Ferguson to provide enough room for a sit-down restaurant, office space for entrepreneurs and businesses, and communal areas for gathering; more street enhancements and beautification with trees and landscaping.
These are only some of the highlights of great things that have happened in 2018.
In an interview with Living St. Louis, Ruth Ezell, Chris Krehmeyer shares the story of our work in the 24:1 Community.
Our work is far from over. But it has gained true momentum. As great as 2018 has been, 2019 promises to be even better. Thanks to our donors, area partners, and volunteers, we are seeing success here in the 24:1 Community on a truly impressive scale.
As December comes to a close, we are truly grateful for everyone who has helped us throughout 2018 and before.
From all of us at Beyond Housing, happy holidays.
