The partnership between Beyond Housing and the KPMG continues to grow in ways that are reshaping lives and communities across North St. Louis County. This fall, the KPMG U.S. Foundation announced a $750,000 commitment to further support Beyond Housing’s transformational work in the 24:1 Community. The announcement builds on a three-year, $300,000 grant the Foundation made in 2023 to expand Beyond Housing’s Viking Advantage program, which prepares Normandy High School students for college and career success.
In another sign of the deepening relationship, Dan Lawrence, U.S. Chief of Staff for Government and Healthcare at KPMG U.S., has joined Beyond Housing’s Board of Directors. Lawrence was instrumental in introducing the organization to KPMG U.S. Foundation leaders and highlighting how closely Beyond Housing’s holistic community development model aligns with the Foundation’s mission.
Investing in Comprehensive Change
“We have a philosophy where if you take from the community, you’re going to give back to the community,” said Andrew Davidson, Office Managing Partner for KPMG U.S. in St. Louis.
The KPMG U.S. Foundation applies a “Give. Serve. Grow.” mindset to its partnerships. Its focus on Community Vitality emphasizes organizations that tackle interlocking issues—education, housing, healthcare, and economic development. Beyond Housing’s place-based, comprehensive model proved a natural fit.
“Community Vitality is how we’re looking at organizations that are tackling interlocking issues,” said Anita Whitehead, President and Chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation. “Beyond Housing is an impressive example, focusing on housing, healthcare, education, urban development—all of the things that really impact a community.”
Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO of Beyond Housing, noted that this shared vision has been the foundation of the partnership. “Our mission is to strengthen families and transform communities to create a more equitable and prosperous St. Louis, once and for all,” said Krehmeyer. “We’re intentional about placemaking—from affordable housing to schools, theaters, food halls, and health facilities. We know that when we move big systems like homeownership rates, property values, and health outcomes, we can change the trajectory of the entire region.”
Real Impact on Students and Families
The Viking Advantage program is one example of that trajectory. Supported by KPMG’s initial grant, the program helps students and families save for college or vocational training through a matched savings program, while providing intensive counseling, ACT preparation, campus visits, and post-secondary support.
Students like Normandy High School graduate Jonathon Rhodes describe the program as life-changing: “They persuaded us to join a program that not only helps you get into college, but gives you every step you need to take,” Rhodes said. “They just show you the ropes.”
The impact goes well beyond admissions. Beyond Housing staff members, some of whom students affectionately refer to as “aunts and uncles,” provide long-term guidance and support. “A student who goes to some type of post-secondary program is going to earn about an extra million dollars in their lifetime,” said James Moyamba, Viking Advantage Program Manager at Beyond Housing. “We make a real impact in their lives, their families, and the greater community.”
A Growing Commitment
Advantage not only continues but expands, reaching more students and more families across the 24:1 Community. And with Dan Lawrence’s leadership on Beyond Housing’s Board of Directors, the partnership is positioned to deepen its impact even further.
Lawrence, who was the first in his family to attend college, says the work resonates on a personal level.
“As somebody who is a first-generation college student in my family, I know how important that wider support is for students whose parents may not have gone to college,” Lawrence said.
For Beyond Housing and KPMG, the return on investment isn’t measured in dollars. As Krehmeyer put it: “We’re just like any other business—except our return on investment is in people’s lives.”
