From: Dustin Carfield

I have owned rental properties in St. Louis for over 20 years.  I was introduced to the StLMHC shortly after it first launched in 2020.  At the time, I had recently acquired an 8-unit building in the Gravois Park area and was working with various organizations to provide affordable housing to individuals facing difficult circumstances. I was looking for help and guidance with the myriad of challenges that exist in providing housing to this population and I've found the collaboration and community spirit of the STL Metro Housing Collective to be invaluable.  

The group brings together a wide range of people who come at the overall problem with a variety of perspectives and experiences.  By bringing service providers and landlords together, it opens up a world of resources that I haven't experienced elsewhere.  The group streamlines information by allowing direct communication across all of these groups.  Whether it's a case manager with an emergency housing situation or a landlord looking for advice on screening tenants, lots of voices are in the conversation.  People are willing to help, and in doing so, it proves time and again that this type of work is nearly impossible to do all on your own.

I've experienced groups that are just landlords, and while those serve a valuable purpose, the Housing Council brings together a wider range of lived experiences yet with a powerful shared goal.  The St. Louis Metro Housing Council works diligently to solve housing problems for individuals while making St. Louis neighborhoods better in the process.  I cannot think of a more worthy group for the Collaboration and Coalition Building Award.