Despite COVID-19, Viking Advantage Graduates are Succeeding in Both the Classroom and Life
From middle school math education to finance, and social work, Viking Advantage graduates are succeeding both in the classroom and in their newly chosen careers. As students at Normandy High School, Rachel Prowell, Jahon Ahmadgol, and Drew Foster each received financial support and mentorship through Beyond Housing’s Viking Advantage Program. They’ve now completed their undergraduate degrees—Rachel […]
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Peter Benoist
Saying Goodbye to Two Friends, Part II As I wrote about in my tribute to my close partner and friend, Mayor Mary Louise Carter, “better angels of our nature” is a phrase that speaks to the more praiseworthy traits within us all that exist alongside our less-noble traits. Though we all are born with them […]
The Better Angels of Our Nature: Mayor Mary Louise Carter
Saying Goodbye to Two Friends, Part I If you are fortunate, a special person enters your life at the exact time they are needed. Even better if that person turns out to be one of those rare “better angels of our nature.” For Shakespeare, as for Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural address, “better angels” […]
Can You Hear Rosa Yelling?
Rosa. I didn’t know her name or even if the voice yelling outside my open window was directed at me. My attention was on the screen in front of me two Thursdays ago. “Hello! Hello!” she frantically yelled out, trying to get my attention. “Are you open today and do you have any food left?” […]
State of the Community: Responding to Widespread Challenges, Part Two
Low-income communities like those in the Normandy schools footprint in North St. Louis County have been impacted the most by COVID-19. In addition to a disproportionately high concentration of COVID-19 cases, the pandemic has created a crisis here on multiple fronts. Because of this, we and our many partners and civic leaders have organized a comprehensive […]
A Teacher Fears for Her Children
A woman we serve in the community is a dedicated second-grade teacher for the Normandy school district. In addition to being like a second mom to her students, she also has two children of her own, ages eight and twelve. Ever since the pandemic forced the schools to close, she has been teaching her class […]
One Virus, Two Worlds
There are two distinct worlds within the St. Louis region and elsewhere across our country. They have always existed somewhat independent of one another, but up until now they at least shared some similarities. Now during the coronavirus pandemic, the likenesses seem all but gone. Somehow this virus has dialed up the contrast between these […]
While Many of us Worry, This is What Real Fear Looks Like
COVID-19 has turned our collective world upside down. Few of us have been infected, but we all have been impacted. So far, this virus has given us plenty to worry about. Most of us are justifiably worried about our jobs and businesses, our retirement portfolios, and what the coming days and weeks will bring. Those […]
Come Together When it’s Needed Most
At Beyond Housing we recognize the challenges that the rapid spread of COVID-19 has had and continues to have on members of our 24:1 Community. We must be mindful in this moment that low-income families are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Since the crisis of this pandemic reached St. Louis, our phone lines have been […]
Here for the 24:1 Community, Now More than Ever
Dear friends and members of the 24:1 Community, In response to the coronavirus situation, Beyond Housing’s offices will be temporarily closed to the public for a short time beginning Wednesday, March 18th. However, we want to stress that our staff will be at full operational capacity working to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the […]
