North of Delmar

North of Delmar News

April 2025

THE LATEST NORTH OF DELMAR NETWORKING NEWS

As spring blooms, we are continuing to grow our network with new and existing group alliances who are doing great things North of Delmar. Here is some of the latest news on that front:

Covenant House Missouri: Located at 2727 N. Kingshighway provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth, aged 16-24. Services include medical care, mental health support, education, employment assistance and life skills training. Their transitional housing program offers apartment-style living for up to two years. They are considering a program targeting the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

https://www.covenanthousemo.org/

COCA: We have met with COCA and are discussing a possible project in the Wells Goodfellow area this summer. We have spoken with Craft Alliance as well, and it might even be a joint project. Stay tuned for more details.

https://www.cocastl.org/ and https://www.craftalliance.org/
Great Rivers Greenway: Come celebrate the start of construction of the Hodiamont Greenway from 2-4 at Gwen Park on April 27. 924 Hodiamont Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112. Music, free food, Local vendors, and art and recreation activities for all ages.

https://greatriversgreenway.org/events/hodiamont-greenway-groundbreaking-celebration/

WashU: Our WashU practicum team has been hard at work developing statistics for us to measure the results of vibrancy so we will be able to measure the impact that our programs are having on a community.

North of Delmar looks forward to their final practicum presentation scheduled for early in May.

THE NORTH OF DELMAR WELLS GOODFELLOW PROJECT: A MODEL FOR HOPE

The North St. Louis region, particularly areas North of Delmar, faces significant challenges, including disinvestment, population decline, and concentrated poverty. These challenges have resulted in deteriorated housing stock, limited access to essential services, high unemployment rates, and a lack of economic opportunities.

But one source of hope springs from the Wells Goodfellow project, which can serve as a model, demonstrating the effectiveness of a holistic, collaborative approach. By outlining the strategies, resources, and partnerships necessary to achieve transformative change across a larger scale, our plan seeks to replicate and expand the comprehensive revitalization efforts already underway in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood to other North St. Louis neighborhoods.

A Background and Needs Assessment: A thorough assessment of the North of Delmar area reveals the following key needs:

Housing: Many neighborhoods suffer from a surplus of vacant and abandoned properties, deteriorating housing stock, and limited affordable housing options.

Health and Human Services: Residents often lack access to quality healthcare, mental health services, and social support systems. Food insecurity and limited access to healthy food options are also prevalent.

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship: The area has experienced a decline in businesses, limited job opportunities, and a lack of support for entrepreneurs.

Workforce Development and Business Growth: There is a need for job training programs, skills development initiatives, and support for small business growth to create sustainable employment opportunities.

Education, Training, and Employment: Educational attainment levels are lower than in other parts of the city, and there is a need for improved schools, job training programs, and pathways to employment.

Transportation Infrastructure and Smart Technology: Inadequate transportation systems, including limited public transit and aging infrastructure, hinder access to jobs, services, and opportunities.

Arts, Recreation, and Beautification: Many neighborhoods lack safe, well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, and cultural amenities, contributing to a decline in community pride and quality of life.

Partnerships and Collaboration: This plan relies on strong partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders, including:

Non-profit Organizations: Provide direct services, community organizing, and advocacy.

Universities: Conduct research, provide technical assistance, and evaluate program outcomes.

Philanthropic Entities: Provide funding and support for innovative projects. Community Development Corporations: Develop and manage housing and commercial projects.

Resident Associations: Represent the interests of residents and participate in planning and implementation.

City Involvement: Provide resources, policy support, and coordination.

Private Sector: Invest in development projects, provide job opportunities, and support community initiatives.

JOIN US FOR A CUPPA

We also remain busy growing our newsletter distribution list, social media presence, and North of Delmar network, and we continue to offer our exploratory Coffee Talk sessions. Would you like to tell us more about what you’re doing North of Delmar and how we may be able to collaborate?

Reminder: Please forward this issue to friends and colleagues. Word of mouth is our favorite networking tool!

WHO IS NORTH OF DELMAR, ANYWAY?

What: Founded in 2024, North of Delmar is a community collaboration initiative aiming to foster holistic development and sustainable growth in the St. Louis area. The project brings together non-profit organizations with support from major corporations, philanthropists, and universities in the region. The goal is to raise funding to bolster the ongoing initiatives of the non-profits and conduct research to validate their impact.

Why: North of Delmar strives to create a thriving and inclusive community by fostering collaboration among non-profit organizations, corporations, philanthropists, and universities. Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, we aim to improve quality of life, promote economic opportunity, and drive sustainable development in the St. Louis area.

YOU: Are you or your organization working alone out there? Could you benefit from working with others? We bet you could! We repeat our invitation to join us anytime for a cup of coffee. We would love to learn more about what you are trying to accomplish and introduce you to others.

Come join us, and let’s all work together.

Eric M.

Eliot S.

Stuart Z.