LOW-INCOME ST. LOUIS FAMILIES ARE IN CRISIS. PLEASE HELP.
(April, 2025) As we saw with the COVID pandemic and the Great Recession in 2008, the poorest in our region are the hardest hit by any crisis. While most of us have felt the sting of inflation, low-income St. Louis families are now being severely impacted.
This is devastating to low-income families in St. Louis. Most families Beyond Housing serves live at or below the poverty line. Many who were progressing toward greater economic independence now struggle to pay rent and utilities and cannot afford to buy milk and eggs.
These rising costs also severely impact Beyond Housing’s ability to operate. As with most nonprofits, our revenue is down significantly due to the impact of inflation on our donors. At the same time, our costs have never been higher. Construction costs are up substantially. Insurance premiums for our affordable rental homes have nearly tripled. Record high consumer debt and recent layoffs also paint a stark picture for the months ahead.
Furthermore, the unprecedented rollout of policy changes from the new administration adds further strain and uncertainty. Cutting or delaying funding could be the difference between providing or not providing vital support for families and children.
These economic headwinds also threaten the years of progress we and many others have worked tirelessly to create.
Given the severity of this situation, Beyond Housing is spreading the word about this escalating crisis and will be hosting food drives and providing utility assistance in the weeks ahead to prevent these families from falling further behind.
Our work is what stands between these families and disaster. Right now, every donation matters. St. Louis, please help us stand between this crisis and those we serve.