Across the country, millions of Americans live in substandard housing or pay more than they can afford for good housing. Today, many professions—including police officers, firefighters, teachers, clerks, administrative assistants, and others—have starting salaries well below the $56,940 tax credit income limit for a family of four in the St. Louis area. As housing prices continue to rise and the need for affordable housing challenges a growing number of working families, private initiatives like those through the St. Louis and Kansas City Equity Fund play a critical role in providing affordable, long-term solutions and services.

In addition to affordable housing, many urban neighborhoods offer opportunities to create market-rate housing that involves the renovation of historic buildings. The adaptive reuse and preservation of these buildings can bring new vitality and economic activity to these communities.