Welcome to the dignity challenge!
Restore the dignity by transforming two rental homes in the historic West End neighborhood, bound by Delmar Blvd, Skinker Blvd, Union Avenue, and Page Avenue.
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.
What does joining the DIGnity Challenge look like?
• Build Your Team: Select a your team led by an executive or rising star
• Kickoff: Meet with Cornerstone 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 or welcome gifts
• Reveal: Join residents at the big reveal once everything is staged!
BENEFITS
Your company will be featured as a Lead Sponsor on:
• The DIGgnity Challenge Website
• All Engagement Materials
• Acknowledgement on Social Media
• Diversity and Equity Advancement and Volunteerism
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 WITH US!
With your support, our homes will be refreshed with everything from tuckpointing to new roofs…from carpet and flooring to new cabinets…from exterior landscaping to basement overhauls. 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.