Beyond Housing/NHS strengthens families and communities by providing needed and desirable affordable housing, education and training, and other support services through collaborative efforts with a variety of local, regional and national partners.

“Block-Aid” is a daylong process of renewal in dilapidated neighborhoods throughout St. Louis and the region.

In the period of eight hours, on a Saturday morning, a militia of volunteers (500 or so) converges on a pre-designated neighborhood of 20+ houses that are in need of light repairs and general cosmetic attention. Everything from painting, to nailing, scraping, stripping, weeding and planting; all take place in a one-day period to give those homeowners who could not otherwise provide for themselves, a helping hand to a happier home.

Traditionally, volunteers come from sponsoring corporations and other nonprofit entities throughout the area. In keeping with the pioneering spirit of giving so noteworthy of the St. Peter’s parish family, our participation the 2001 Block-Aid program was the very first time churches became involved in the rehab effort.

“We are so pleased to be able to expand the outreach of our program into this vital part of the volunteer community,” says Anitria Roberts, Volunteer Coordinator for NHS. “We always thought Block-Aid would work within a church volunteer environment and are grateful for your contribution.”