b'Chaminade, believed that faith formation starts with Neighbor Wilma Jokerst strong families and communities. welcomes Zenda Estrada, age 9, with a big hug. I am so happy well have a youngPeople are eager for community family living next door, sheMaureen McCuen, executive director of SJHI, grew up says. Zenda is happy, too, not far from St. Marys High School and chose to stay especially about the back- yard. I love the big tree, in south city and raise her family. The housing stock she says. in this part of the city is fabulous, she says, but thepeople are even better. The neighborhoods are filledwith kind people who want to be good neighbors.Part of Maureens job is to assess housing for pur-chase by SJHI and implement renovations such as newroofing, plumbing or electrical updates. Our goal isto ensure that the major components of the home arein good condition so that new homeowners wont besaddled with major repairs in the first five to 10 years,says Maureen.Homebuyers in the SJHI program must meet quali-fications including agreeing to live in the house for atleast five years, as well as other criteria (for qualifica-tions, go to stjosephhousing.org/how-to-qualify). One commitment a new buyer must be willing to to the home, he is happy to know that the Estradasmake is to participate in the First Neighbor program. will take good care of it. This is an answer to prayer,First Neighbor is a support system whereby an estab- says Henry.lished family from one of five Catholic parishes in Henry is not the only one happy to see the Estradasthese neighborhoods serves as a mentor to the new take ownership. Neighbor Wilma Jokerst was quickhomebuyer, inviting them to neighborhood block to stop by and give everyone a big welcome. I amparties and meetings, and offering advice on lawn so happy well have a young family living next door,care and trash pickupthe kinds of things first- she says. My grandchildren are nearly grown. Thetime homeowners often dont know. Estradas four childrenAshely, 17, Danielle, 11,But its more than advice. SJHI wants its homebuyers Zenda, 9 and Daniel junior, 4are a sign of new lifeto feel like they are part of the community. We dont and energy for Dutchtown, a place so many are proudjust want to sell a home to a family, give them the keys to call home.and say, good luck, says Maureen. Our intention Pride of ownership is baked into the SJHI housingis to help them be successful homeowners. We want formula. We want people to feel a sense of pride into establish a relationship with them. The First Neigh- taking care of their homes, their neighborhood andbor program offers ongoing support and a friend. especially their neighbors, says Mike. Its as muchAdds Maureen: People are eager for community. about helping people connect as it is about buying aThis is one way for them to make connections and home and establishing financial equity. become part of the neighborhood. Mikes hope and prayer are that as SJHI succeeds,it will become a template for helping inner-city familiesKeys to a and neighborhoods become stronger across St. Louis.brighter future Its a big dream, says Mike. Its not an overnightHenry Schaper and thing, but incremental, helping one family, one home,four of his brothers one neighborhood at a time.graduated fromHe also worries that if St. Marys doesnt get involved,St. Marys. He has who will? Its important for building the future offond memories ofour school that St. Marys is involved in building thethe school and this future of this neighborhood, says Mike. We believeneighborhood. Having in the potential of this neighborhood. We believe inhanded over the keys south city.marianist.com/donate 7'