Dear SHED Supporters,
When I first joined SHED in 2019, my focus was on managing the Volunteer Home Maintenance Program—assisting residents with essential exterior repairs to ensure their homes remained safe, secure, and livable. While that work remains at the heart of SHED’s mission, in the years since we have found new and meaningful ways to contribute to the stability and revitalization of University City’s 3rd Ward.
For starters, we have embraced broader efforts to promote housing stability and intergenerational homeownership. We’ve introduced educational tools to empower both current and future homeowners, including webinars focused on navigating the home-buying process, accessing local assistance programs, maintaining properties for long-term value, and building generational wealth.
We’ve also had the joy of mentoring the next generation. This year, two University City High School students completed internships with our residential maintenance teams, gaining hands-on trades experience and a deeper understanding of community-centered service.
Our most ambitious venture, however, was our foray into new construction. SHED recently purchased two vacant lots and began building our first single-family home on Crest Avenue. The house will be completed this spring and sold to a low-to-moderate-income family, reinforcing our commitment to preserving affordability in an increasingly competitive and expensive housing market.
Looking ahead, we are excited to begin the search for SHED’s first full-time executive director. This individual will help guide our next chapter—building relationships, developing neighborhood leaders, and shaping the future growth, stability, and revitalization of the 3rd Ward as an area of affordable homes and working-class families.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come in such a short period—and even more hopeful for what’s ahead. I hope that you will join me in this important work, and I thank you for your continued support and partnership.
With gratitude,
Mimi Taylor-Hendrix
Board Chair
Read the 2024 Impact Report here.
SHED’s 2025 Annual Community Meeting will be held from 6-7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 18, at the University City Public Library.