Home Depot Foundation Recognizes Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis

The Home Depot Foundation has recognized the work that Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis (HFHSTL) has don in revitalizing the Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood with sustainable housing. The national foundation presented Habitat Saint Louis with an "Award of Excellence of for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly." The award includes a $75,000 grant.

"The Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood was once a major business and cultural area for St. Louis," the Home Depot case study stated. "But over the years the area declined, leaving deteriorated, vacant properties. In partnership with the city and the local community, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis (HFHSL) began work in the area in 2004.

Their vision was to move beyond building homes, and to help bring about a positive transformation of the community." Previously to the 2008 "build," HFHSTL had constructed its homes to Energy Star standards. Last year Habitat stepped up its game to another level, completing 27 LEED-platinum certified homes. The plan was to build the same number this year. Ground contamination issues on three sites stretched resources thin and pushed back the schedule on those sites, so HFHSTL will complete 24 homes built to LEED standards this year.

"That they built LEED Platinum homes at $75 per square foot is extraordinary," said one Awards of Excellence Committee member.

"Not only did they use panelized construction, but they did it themselves," said another committee member.

In October the St. Louis Business Journal recognized HFHSTL's efforts in sustainable, energy-efficient home construction by presenting it with a "Heroes of the Planet" award.

To read the entire Home Depot Foundation case study of the Jeff Vanderlou HFHSTL project click here. To watch a video on the project, click here.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, contact Kimberly McKinney, CEO or Kyle Hunsberger, director of construction by email, or by calling 314.371.0400.

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