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Washington University
Joint Community Development Program

In 1995, Washington University received a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Housing and urban Development (HUD) to establish a Center for Community Revitalization in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. The program will address five primary goals:

home ownership;
management assistance;
security;
social services; and
infrastructure improvements.

Over the next four years, grant funds will be leveraged with resources from the he WU medical Center , the City of St. Louis, and other sources to implement the comprehensive revitalization strategies listed below.

Home Ownership

FPSE offers a wonderful opportunity for homebuyers to purchase a quality home at an affordable price! During the next four years, more than 50 rehabbed and new construction homes will be developed in FPSE and offered for sale. First-time homebuyer classes will be offered to interested buyers. Down payment and closing cost assistance grants will be available to low and moderate income buyers.

Assisting current homeowners is also a primary goal under this program. Forgivable loans will be made available to low- and moderate-income homeowners to assist them with making needed repairs.

Management Assistance

Neighborhood landlords are offered low cost professional management of their property through the Residential Management Services (RMS) Program. RMS will assist landlords in all aspects of property management including tenant screening, marketing, leasing and property maintenance. Financial assistance is available to assist landlords with repairs.

Security

Safety is important to the success of the neighborhood's revitalization efforts. Supplemental security in the neighborhood is provided through off-duty police security patrols. Two police officers patrol the neighborhood six hours a day, seven days a week. These officers augment the regular patrols of the 3rd District police and other police services.

Social Services

Students form the George Warren Brown School of Social Work are assisting social service providers in the neighborhood strengthen and expand their existing programs. Employment training and opportunities are also provided.

Infrastructure Improvements

Infrastructure improvements are being made to streets, sidewalks and curbs. Lighting and landscaping improvements are also planned. In early 1997, the wattage of all the street lights were doubled, making the neighborhood brighter and safer!