Restoring independence through Minor Home Repair

Everyone deserves to feel secure in their own home, but for many residents of St. Louis City, that is not the reality. Unstable railings, mold growth and other hazards pose serious risks to safety. These safety concerns are a major reason why we started the Minor Home Repair Program. What began in The Grove as volunteer-based home repairs and beautification projects, became an entryway into people’s homes and a way to build relationships and connect to their stories. 

Overtime, we moved to North St. Louis where the need was high. In 2016, through a merger with another nonprofit, Senior Home Security, we launched Minor Home Repair with full-time staff instead of the volunteer model. 

Today, we are making a large impact. This program serves homeowners that are 60+ or living with a disability. In 2024 alone, we served 176 homeowners and completed 3246 repairs. These services have allowed residents to age safely in their homes. Most clients live below 50% of this area’s median income, emphasizing the need for programs like these. 

One long-term resident of North St. Louis, Ms. PWC, is among many who have been directly impacted by the lack of home safety. Minor Home Repair stepped in to help. 

This vibrant 68-year-old grandmother has called North St. Louis home for over 35 years. However, the absence of handrails on her stairs made it challenging for her to safely move in and out of her residence. Feeling isolated, she was connected to our Minor Home Repair program, receiving critical repairs to her handrails and shower, allowing her to confidentially move about her home.   

Every resident in St. Louis City deserves this sense of security and joy. This program not only improves living conditions, but it shows the resilience of the participants. 

Another participant, Ozella went through our home repair program after her bathroom was in disarray. Repairs seemed impossible and she thought that our program sounded too good to be true. The team installed a new bathtub, vanity and sink, something that gave Ozella her independence back. 

“Mission: St. Louis has given me hope. As I saw the work being done, I knew my prayers had been answered.” 

Our Minor Home Repair helps homeowners age comfortably in the community that they have long called home. Read more about our program impact here.