join cornerstone cdc as we restore beauty and honor dignity in affordable housing

Dignity Challenge logo
 

About 2022 dignity challenge

Cornerstone CDC is issuing a challenge to all corporations and banks committed to equity and community. Join us in restoring beauty to rental homes and honoring the dignity of residents seeking affordable housing in the West End.

why is affordable housing needed

In 2021, the St. Louis Affordable Housing Report Card was released in which St. Louis City got a “F” in affordable housing options for Black households, renters, and the poorest. Cornerstone CDC is looking to uniquely meet the need with our approach to Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing in the West End.

our approach

Inspired by the popularity of network shows like “Fixer Upper” and “Good Bones,” Cornerstone CDC is looking to pair innovative, community-driven corporations with our team of contractors to invest and design beautifully renovated apartments on Etzel Avenue.

  • Build Your Team: Select a your team led by an executive or rising star

  • Kickoff: Meet with Cornerstone CDC residents, contractors, and the design team at a kickoff event

  • Design: Choose design options to make the home standout, including making selected investments with your budget for flooring, lighting, cabinets, and countertops.

  • Demo Day: Get your hands dirty during demo day or keep them clean and shop for resident amenities like new linen and welcome gifts

  • Reveal: Join residents at the big reveal once everything is staged!

Are you up for the Challenge?

Meet our DIGnity Challenge Host, Cornerstone CDC Executive Director, Monique Thomas

For our inaugural challenge, our Executive Director, Monique Thomas, will be hosting your team through meaningfully designed experiences that capture the need of the moment while allowing your team to bond over making a long-term impact.

OBJECTIVE

To make our properties everything our families deserve, you will be paired with an experienced contractor and designer to renovate old rental apartments in the West End to meet the new high standards of Cornerstone CDC. Each apartment unit is very affordable, but has quite amount of wear-and-tear over the years. We want your team to invest in restoring the beauty of our homes to make them a place for peace while keeping them affordable.

BENEFITS

Your company will be featured as a Lead Sponsor on:

  • The DIGnity Challenge page

  • All Engagement Materials

  • Acknowledgement on Social Media

  • Create Meaningful Diversity and Equity Advancement and Volunteerism opportunity

Interior of Dignity apartment

Why Join the Dignity Team?

The average income in the West End $23,000/year.
We are not defined by our bank accounts or overdraft fees. Cornerstone STL provides opportunities and resources to grow past short-term decision making allow us to make meaningful efforts toward future prosperity.

The amount of income spent on transportation and housing is 65-71% in the West End.
There is not enough affordable rental housing for people with income below 30% AMI. Affordable rental offerings create space and security, allowing opportunities for families to focus on building their whole-self when they have a safe, affordable home.

West End residents make up 89% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color).
Cornerstone STL has deliberately invested in people of color from the start. We work to deeply understand the nuances of poverty and racial inequity so our approach impacts more than affordable rent.

“F” for Failed. AHTF 2021 report grade for STL housing affordability for renters.
For every 10 people with incomes below $20,000/yr looking for an apartment, five affordable units are available. Choices have to be made between quality housing and other priorities like health and food. We apply grace to understanding housing needs and avoid eviction as the first step in responding to rental arrears. Our residents work with the Resident Champion to access services and resources to balance these needs.

“F” for Failed. Again. AHTF 2021 report grade for STL housing affordability for Black people.
Advocating for the equality of our residents is as important as offering a fair rent. Cornerstone STL works to understand and incorporate the perspectives of residents to fully identify the resources needed to promote growth toward financial independence.

DIG in WITH US!

With your support, our homes will be refreshed with new flooring, bathrooms, cabinets, painting, repairs to deepen our partnership with our residents. Your support of our DIGnity Challenge moves families from the shadows of poverty into the light of hope.

Fill out the form below to create a team of your own.