that journey.”
Hope House St. Louis: Providing Hope and Stability for Families in Need
By Sophia Black, Washington University Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement 2025 St. Louis Fellow
In the heart of Wells-Goodfellow, there is a beacon of hope for families in need. Hope House St. Louis, a transitional housing organization, is dedicated to helping families get their lives back on track and creating a brighter future for all. Originally managed by the Red Cross, Hope House has been providing stable housing for the unhoused population since 1989. In 1999, it became independently operated by its board of directors.
The Resident Program: A Pathway to Affordable Housing
At the core of Hope House’s mission is their Resident Program, which offers medium-term affordable housing for those who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. The program consists of 49 units of mixed room sizes, including one bedroom, two bedroom, and studio units, to accommodate a variety of family sizes. Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette, dining area, and living space. Due to the high demand for housing within the unhoused population, Hope House exclusively serves women with preschool-aged children.
As a non-profit organization, Hope House relies on donations and contributions from organizations and individuals to fund their programs. The Community Development Administration’s (CDA) Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program also plays a crucial role in supporting their transitional housing program. Nahuel Fefer, Executive Director of CDA, believes that transitional housing is essential in providing a pathway to stable housing for community members in the City of St. Louis. “We are proud to support Hope House in their efforts to lift up those in the St. Louis community who need it most,” Fefer said.
Investing in the Future: Hope House’s Child Development Center
In addition to their Resident Program, Hope House is dedicated to nurturing the children of their residents through their state-accredited Child Development Center. The center utilizes a creative curriculum that allows children to learn through play, creating a unique hands-on learning environment. With a focus on women with preschool-age children, the center prepares children for kindergarten and beyond, setting them up for success in school.
Support Beyond Housing and Childcare
Hope House’s support for their residents goes beyond providing housing and childcare. Each resident is assigned a case manager upon entering the program, who will support them throughout their two-year journey to success. Even after leaving the program, residents can stay in touch with their case managers for continued support outside of Hope House.
“We want our clients to be invested in their own success,” said Bonnie Reece, Executive Director of Hope House. “What truly motivates people is achieving success along the way, and we are here to help them on that journey.”
