CTJ-RTSTL Home Repair Program!

AN INVITATION FROM CHURCHES TOGETHER FOR JUSTICE:

We invite your congregation to join in a home-repair endeavor to help neighbors with limited income. Together, we can do more than any individual or congregation can do on their own.

Churches Together for Justice (CTJ) is partnering with Rebuilding Together St. Louis (RTSTL) in this effort. RTSTL requires a $5,000 minimum to sponsor renovations for a home. A total RTSTL renovation averages $19,000 per home, but much of this can be recovered through grants, contributed equipment, civic organizations’ donations, etc. For older adults and people with disabilities, constrained income makes it difficult to keep utility costs low, and to avoid fall hazards and fire risks, while also keeping up with increased taxes. Therefore, many of these folks either fail to keep their homes safe and up-to-code or get priced out of living in their home. For these reasons, in the 63119 ZIP code, currently there are eight families who have applied to RTSTL for help to safely remain in their homes.

RTSTL told us a delightful story of an older woman living in a home that sheltered her family for three generations. The home was literally falling apart into an unsafe condition for the woman, who is blind. RTSTL was able to totally refurbish her home so that the home is now quite lovely, many problem areas have been repaired, and she is safe and secure in her ancestral home. The homeowner is delighted beyond all measures!

CTJ is seeking funds to support the renovation of at least one home in 2026. After the sponsorship fee is presented to RTSTL, a home is selected, required renovations are identified, and a date for doing the repairs is established. In addition to money for sponsorship, volunteers from the sponsoring institutions are recruited to work (10-20 per sponsored home).

Congregations and individuals interested in contributing to this tax-deductible fund can send a check to Peace UCC [which manages the tax-deductible 501(c)(3)] at the following address: Peace Community Building; ATTN: Housing Renovation; 483 E. Lockwood Ave, Suite 3; Webster Groves, MO 63119. Make the check out to Peace UCC, with “Peace Community Building Housing Renovation” on the memo line.

CTJ representatives are available to meet with church leadership to provide additional information and answer questions.

Churches Together for Justice (CTJ) is a grassroots group of active participants representing twelve congregations from the region who are called to advance peace, justice, and caring in the region.