inding their safety and comfort, and ultimately, building a stronger community
Mission: St. Louis’ Minor Home Repair Program: Making a Meaningful Impact in St. Louis
By Michelle Kim, Washington University Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement 2025 St. Louis Fellow
At Mission: St. Louis, the Minor Home Repair Program goes beyond just fixing what’s broken. It’s about creating a safer and more comfortable living space for aging adults and individuals with disabilities. With funding from the Community Development Administration’s (CDA), this program has been able to make a significant impact in St. Louis, completing 125 to 200 homes every year. Led by Senior Director of Home Repair, Todd Martin, a team of eight works tirelessly to identify and repair homes throughout the city.
“Our goal is not just to fix what’s broken, but to listen, collaborate, and create a space where people can thrive. Every repair is a step towards independence, dignity, and honoring the lives people have built in their homes. It’s about showing up, doing the work with care, and reminding our neighbors they’re not alone,” said Martin.
The Minor Home Repair Program addresses critical needs for homeowners who often have nowhere else to turn. Each project averages 20-25 repairs, with a budget of $1,000 to $2,000, and is completed within a remarkably tight two-day window. What sets this program apart is its focus on safety, accessibility, and long-term functionality. With the support of a HUD grant, the team has onboarded Emma, an occupational therapist, to ensure that repairs go beyond temporary fixes. Emma meets with program participants three times throughout the home repair process – during the initial assessment, at the site visit, and after repairs are completed – bringing expertise that identifies not just what needs fixing today, but also what can be fixed to prevent hazards and support independence in the future.
“We’re not doing for other people – we’re doing with other people,” said Emma. Mission: St. Louis’ philosophy makes homeowners true partners in the repair process.
The journey begins with an application, followed by a site visit to assess needs. Once work is scheduled, a team of four skilled contractors, working in pairs, complete the repairs – everything from installing grab bars to fixing broken steps. The goal is to make small changes that create a big difference in the lives of residents like Ms. Bobbie and Ms. Dorothy, where these repairs restored their sense of safety and independence at home.
Back view of Ms. Bobbie’s home, where a newly installed grab bar provides easier access to and from her harvest-ready garden.
Front view of Ms. Dorothy’s home, where newly installed railings provide easier access to and from the front door.
Finding the right people to do this work is essential. Every team member brings not only skill but also a heart for service – because the mission is more than just fixing homes. The Minor Home Repair program is about treating participants like part of the team, respecting their preferences and input, minding their safety and comfort, and ultimately, building a stronger community.
