- December 2, 2020 Community
The St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI) brings good tidings as the St. Louis faith-based, non-profit organization celebrates all of its exciting happenings, despite COVID-19.
To start, SJHI's successes wouldn't be be possible without the support of their donors. They may seem small in number with only 500, but they are mighty in their generosity. On Oct. 18, SJHI “raised the roof” virtually with its third annual fundraising event. And while nerves ran high with hosting an online event, it proved to be extremely successful with $145,000 raised.
“I was very nervous about doing a virtual event because it’s out of my comfort zone,” says Sister Mary Ann Nestel, SJHI board chair. “So we raised most of the money ahead of time and had $120,000 before we started. "
It's because of this support, along with the service of its many volunteers, that SJHI is able to continue living out its mission of creating vibrant communities where low- and moderate-income families can thrive. On Dec. 16, SJHI will close on its fourth renovated home in South City. An African American family of six will be moving into their new home on Mt. Pleasant from North County. Soon after, in late January/early February, houses number five and six on Itaska and Idaho, respectively, will also be placed on the market.
The organization's volunteer program persists in its growing efforts, collaborating with local businesses to help with appliances and landscaping such as Wallflower, a horticultural services and garden design firm owned by two women in Webster Groves.
"Not only do they give us the expertise, they pay for everything," shares S. Mary Ann. "The owners want to give back to the community, so they use the opportunity to bring their interns and teach them while planting trees, shrubs, etc."
In addition, the CSJ associates are also contributing with their move-in kits for the new homeowners. They provide a laundry basket with helpful items including various cleaning supplies, a welcome mat, a toolbox and a potted plant.
"I think what SJHI does is amazing, " says Associate Kay Komotos, director of Association. "This is a great opportunity for us associates to get involved and help somebody move into their new home."
SJHI has also expanded its volunteer program to be more ecumenical and inclusive of other groups. "We're Christian based, which is where we want it, but not to be just Catholic," says S. Mary Ann. "We want all people to participate in the program."
Such collaborative efforts include the St. Stephen's Men's Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood coming together to build a fence at the Itaska house.
As SJHI's impact in the community continues to grow, so do S. Mary Ann's aspirations for the new year. "I have big goals," she says. "Our goal for 2021 is 10 houses, not including homes five and six."
Thanks to all the support of their donors and volunteers, SJHI will be able to work toward those goals and continue to make the lives of others "merry and bright" as they give the gift of housing in the St. Louis area.
SJHI is collaboration between former Archbishop Carlson, the Incarnate Word Foundation, St. Mary’s High School and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. To learn more about SJHI, visit www.stjosephhousing.org.
By Sarah Baker, Communications Specialist