CDA 2020-2024 Impact report: Home Repair

This article first appeared in the CDA 202-2024 Impact Report (April 2025), a comprehensive look at five years of housing, community development, and neighborhood revitalization efforts in St. Louis. To learn more about CDA’s programs, investments, and impact citywide, read the full report here.

Healthy Home Repair

CDA’s Healthy Home Repair program has provided support to low to moderate income homeowners in the City since 2007. Thanks to strong partnerships with the Building Division, Mission St. Louis, and over 70 contractors, we have been able to help over 1000 seniors to age in place. The program doesn’t just help people, it also prevents vacancy, thereby preserving the historic fabric of neighborhoods across the city. Thanks to an infusion of $15M in ARPA funds in late 2022, our team has been able to dramatically scale the program, conducting over 1000 repairs in 2024 (see table on page 7 for more details).

Susan in Bevo

For nearly 30 years, Susan has called her home in Bevo her own. But over time, the house began to show signs of wear—water leaking into her basement, a deteriorating roof, and poor outdoor lighting that left her feeling unsafe at night. Through the Healthy Home Repair Program, which was expanded by ARPA funding, Susan’s home received much-needed repairs. CDA funded a roof replacement and exterior concrete work to keep Susan’s home dry, as well as both interior and exterior electrical work, including the installation of a dusk-to-dawn light on her back porch to improve visibility between her garage and home.

“The roof - it’s really nice. To look up at my ceiling in the living room and realize it doesn’t have a hole in it is nice,” Susan said. “When I come out of the garage, I have light.”
“I didn’t have a porch light before. That makes me feel safer.” — Susan

Melissa in O’Fallon

Melissa has lived in her home in the O’Fallon neighborhood for 28 years, but over time, her wheelchair-accessible ramp and rear room addition had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe and unusable. The disrepair of these critical features limited her mobility and created hazards in her home. Through the ARPA-expanded Healthy Home Repair Program, these dangerous conditions were addressed. The old, deteriorated ramp was removed, and new railings were installed around the front porch and along both sides of the steps to provide stability and support.

Additionally, the damaged rear room addition was replaced with a newly constructed two-story deck, complete with a roof covering and new storm doors. These improvements not only restored the safety and accessibility of her home but also enhanced its overall functionality and comfort.

“It was work that was needed. Everything was needed. It has impacted my life! I wouldn’t have been able to afford it.” - Melissa

Ms. K in St. Louis Place

Ms. K. has lived in her St. Louis Place home for 18 years, but structural issues had created serious safety hazards for her and her 2-year-old grandchild. Her front steps had settled drastically, creating a dangerous gap that caused her to fall multiple times. Her back porch was in such disrepair that she had fallen through it twice. Her aging windows no longer locked securely and allowed drafts.

Through the ARPA-expanded Healthy Home Repair Program, concrete front steps were replaced, eliminating the dangerous drop, and a new handrail was installed. The back porch was totally rebuilt and is now a stable and inviting outdoor space. Additionally, her old, inefficient windows were replaced with new, secure models, improving both energy efficiency and safety. As part of the improvements, the program also removed an aging air conditioning unit from the porch and installed a new, properly placed unit at ground level.

Noting that she can now walk down her front steps without the fear of falling, and the new railing provides extra security, Ms. K feels much safer. Her new windows are secure and prevent drafts. Ms. K and her granddaughter love enjoying the back porch together.

“I feel safer with the windows. It is a lot safer and healthier. I feel safer with the windows that I got now because I noticed that, I guess the security little latch you pull out that the windows can go up so far, so I like that aspect of it.” - Ms. K

 

Ken in the West End

Ken and his wife have lived in their home on Julian in the West End for 36 years, a property they purchased from the church next door. Over time, the retaining wall separating their home from the church failed. In addition, the sidewalks and parking pad had deteriorated so much, they were hazards for their family and the neighboring congregation.

Through the CDBG-funded Healthy Home Repair Program, the retaining wall, sidewalks, and parking pad were fully replaced, ensuring a safer and more stable environment for the Kelly family and the church community. The improvements not only enhanced the safety of their property but also strengthened their connection with their longtime neighbors.

“It’s a few of us still around that are still holding on to our old homes and I wish more people knew about the [Healthy Home Repair Program],” - Ken

Minor Home Repair

CDA also works with Mission St. Louis and Harambee to provide minor home repairs, including tuckpointing and accessibility improvements to hundreds of homeowners. For many older adults in St. Louis, their homes are the very heart of their families. Thanks to CDA support, the City of St. Louis is helping ensure that these homes remain safe and comfortable for years to come.

Take Ms. PWC, for example. This vibrant 68-year-old grandmother has called her North St. Louis home her own for over 35 years. Within its walls, she raised her two daughters, creating a lifetime of cherished memories. While the neighborhood has seen changes over the years, Ms. PWC has remained steadfast, a beacon of strength and resilience.

However, navigating her home was becoming increasingly challenging. Lack of handrails on her concrete steps made it difficult for her to get in and out, often leaving her feeling isolated and fearful. The absence of a shower head and handrails in the basement posed additional safety concerns.

St. Louis was able to provide critical home repairs. Now, Ms. PWC can move freely within her home, feeling safe and confident. The joy in her eyes when she speaks of her renewed sense of independence is truly heartwarming. Her ultimate dream? To one day leave this cherished home to her beloved family, ensuring that the legacy of love and laughter continues for generations to come.

About the Community Development Administration (CDA):
Established in 1974, CDA invests approximately $25 million each year in affordable housing, community development, and public services across St. Louis. As the City’s housing and community development agency, CDA works in partnership with HUD, the Planning and Urban Design Agency, and the St. Louis Development Corporation to ensure that funding priorities are transparent, competitive, and community-driven.