Mission: St. Louis’ Healthy Home Repair Program: Restoring Hope and Preserving Generational Homes in St. Louis
By Michelle Kim, Washington University Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement 2025 St. Louis Fellow
Working Hand in Hand to Keep St. Louis Residents Safe in Place
The City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration (CDA) and Building Division have joined forces with Mission: St. Louis to create the Healthy Home Repair Program. This program is dedicated to protecting generational homes and ensuring the safety of city residents.
More Than Just Construction: A Mission to Restore Hope and Maintain Generational Wealth
Led by Jane Basler, Director of Construction Project Management, the Healthy Home Repair team not only tackles large-scale projects, but also aims to restore hope and preserve generational wealth for homeowners. Their work goes beyond just fixing homes, it’s about creating a safe and livable environment for both present and future generations.
Providing Critical Assistance to Low to Moderate Income Homeowners
The Healthy Home Repair Program assists low to moderate income homeowners who are unable to address urgent repairs on their own. From mitigating electrical hazards to rebuilding collapsed roofs and porches, the program delivers the critical work needed to make homes safe and livable for years to come.
Thousands of Homes Restored: A Milestone of Success
Since its inception, the Healthy Home Repair Program has completed thousands of homes, showcasing the scope and complexity of their work. Each project requires balancing multiple moving parts, from historic preservation to federal regulations and limited budgets. The CDA serves as the central hub, with Jane’s team working closely with homeowners to develop project plans and manage the process.
More Than Just Numbers: The Heart of the Program Lies in the Stories Behind Them
While the numbers are impressive, the true impact of the Healthy Home Repair Program can be seen in the stories behind each completed project. For homeowners like Ms. Hudson, the program has provided much-needed assistance to address years of compounding issues and make their homes safe. The program’s core philosophy is to commit to the long term and walk with homeowners through difficult repairs, ensuring their homes remain a place of emotional significance for generations to come.
