FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2011

(St. Louis, MO) – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay announced today that neighborhoods in St. Louis will receive $1.8 million in affordable housing grants through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program.

The AHP grants will fund five projects for three local organizations, including St. Patrick Center. The grant awarded to St. Patrick Center will help fund construction of 12 new units of permanent, supportive housing for its clients. The press conference was held at Rosati Apartments, St. Patrick Center’s 26-unit apartment complex that provides permanent supportive housing for homeless persons with co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse.

“The good work that you do not only changes neighborhoods… it transforms the the people who live there. Every day, even in the poorest neighborhoods, people have pride, they have dreams and they are determined to build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Congressman Clay.

Each AHP award serves a diverse need including creating homeownership opportunities for formerly homeless families, rehabilitating older homes and assisting with down payment and closing costs. These projects will create or improve 247 homes and provide the opportunity for 247 individuals to turn their own key, have their own place or improve their quality of life.

The following organizations received AHP awards:

• Better Family Life: $500,000 grant to provide downpayment, homebuyer education and closing costs to 150 potential homeowners; $500,000 grant to perform rehabilitation work on 50 homes.
• Beyond Housing: $200,000 grant to improve health and safety issues as well as emergency repair of 15 homes; $300,000 grant to provide 20 families with funding to repair roofs, siding and electrical systems.
• St. Patrick Center: $300,000 grant to help fund the construction of 12 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless families.

Each year, the Federal Home Loan Bank commits 10 percent of its annual net income to developing affordable housing. “FHLB Des Moines work with local members and non-profit organizations to create better living conditions for families,” said Richard S. Swanson, President and CEO of the Bank. FHLB Des Moines has distributed $41.9 million to create 9,394 housing units since 1990 in the state of Missouri. In the first congressional district, $3.1 million has been awarded to create 571 housing units.

read more about St. Patrick Center’s housing programs

MISSION
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals achieve permanent, positive changes in their lives through affordable housing, sound mental health, employment and financial stability.

FOR MORE INFO
Kelly Peach
Senior Director of Communications
St. Patrick Center
Direct Line 314.802.0687
Cell 314.581.7126
kpeach@stpatrickcenter.org

Stephanie Perry
Writer/Producer
Direct Line 314.802.1968
Cell 314.853.8886
sperry@stpatrickcenter.org