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  • Comment Detail

  • Date: 10/18/22
    First Name: Chris
    Last Name: Krehmeyer
    Email: ckrehmeyer@beyondhousing.org
    Organization Type: other
    Organization: Beyond Housing

  • Comment

    Dear Director Thompson,

    Since its formation, the AHP has grown to be one of the most successful sources of private funding for affordable housing, providing nearly $7 billion in funding to build or improve 994,000 homes. Beyond Housing is grateful to have received over $13 million to improve over 700 homes in North St. Louis County. Grant dollars have been directed at deferred maintenance or needed replacement of the structure of the homes. The households served through these projects are making less than 80% of the area median income.
    While it seems like these projects are dollars and cents or water heaters and windows, we view access to a quality affordable home as a means to achieving greater social, racial, and economic justice. By installing a new water heater, we take away a financial burden. By installing new windows, we instill a sense of pride. Ultimately, we are building wealth, creating hope and generating a jumping off point for more change.
    Our 24:1 Initiative makes substantive change possible and already has generated results, from the first Pagedale grocery story in 40 years to the inclusion of 12 family engagement liaisons in the Normandy school district. And while we celebrate individual successes, we know we can do better.
    In 2021 we started a new effort, Once and for All, www.onceandforall.org , that reflects our increased commitment to transform the communities we serve and strives to find an answer to the question - can we address all of the problems that are holding us back? I believe we can if we recognize that creating real change requires a multipronged approach addressing multiple, interrelated needs. We need to be able to treat the underlying conditions at a transformational scale.
    To be aligned with a partner and funder like FHLB Des Moines is truly a blessing. The partnership is one of the few resources where we can say, “We got to scale!” We know it works. Block, by, block AHP is helping us not only repair homes, but the fabric of a community that has been torn apart.
    Without our partnership with FHLB Des Moines, the Normandy School District neighborhoods would deteriorate, problems would accelerate and families would suffer. We are fortunate to have FHLB Des Moines support our comprehensive community building programs.
    Sincerely,

    Chris Krehmeyer
    President & CEO
    Beyond Housing