Sustainable Housing & Equitable Development
Building Stable Foundations for Accessible and Inclusive Communities
Volunteers Wanted: SHED's Fall Work Days Are October 11-12th!
Roll up your sleeves and make a difference at SHED’s Fall Work Days on Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12, from 9 AM to noon! Volunteers work in teams of 3-4 to tackle minor exterior projects like gutter cleaning, light painting, and yard work—helping homeowners keep their properties safe and well-maintained. All supplies are provided, so just bring your energy and a willingness to serve! Sign up now and be part of this impactful community effort.
Our Mission
SHED (Sustainable Housing & Equitable Development) strengthens housing equity for low-to-moderate-income residents of University City by providing home maintenance and repairs, building quality affordable housing, and supporting home ownership.
Our Programs
Volunteer Home Maintenance Program
SHED acts as coordinator and leader of volunteer activities to assist residents with exterior home maintenance, including painting, yard work, and repairs.
Home Rehab Program
Volunteers perform more substantial exterior and interior rehab & maintenance, involving community youth for hands-on experience in construction and landscaping.
Housing Development
Our Home Building Program seeks to purchase vacant lots in the 3rd Ward and construct single-family homes that will be sold to first-time, low-to-moderate-income buyers. Its goal is to add value and stability to the neighborhood and the City.
Home Buyer Education Program
The Home Buyer Education Program seeks to educate those planning to purchase a home, providing essential information about the buying process and available assistance programs. It also covers topics for current homeowners, such as maintenance and estate planning.
Youth Career Development
The Youth Career Development Program seeks to develop career paths for University City High School students, offering tracks in the construction and landscaping trades through in-class, volunteer, and paid employment opportunities.
Delivering help and hope to University City
Who we are
SHED works to strengthen housing equity for low- to moderate-income residents of University City.
We partner with local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, city government, the school district, and other area service providers.
Our vision is to strengthen 3rd Ward neighborhoods through home ownership, access to affordable housing, and career pathways for local youth.
Recent Events & Programs
News & Updates
SHED Names Joel Pugh Executive Director
Exciting news: SHED has hired Joel Pugh as our first full-time Executive Director! It’s a major milestone for the organization—16 years in the works—and one that was made possible thanks to a generous capacity-building grant from InvestSTL.
Joel brings a wealth of experience in city planning, community and economic development, and grant management to the role. Most recently, he served as City Planner for the City of Webster Groves and held positions with the City of Ferguson and BioSTL. Read More…
SHED Hosts Open House At
Crest Avenue
In August, SHED was proud to welcome the community to an open house on Crest Avenue, celebrating the completion and sale of our first home to a first-time buyer. The milestone marked an important step toward our mission of creating quality, affordable housing in University City’s 3rd Ward and was made possible through the incredible support of our partners and friends. Read More…
SHED's 2024 Impact Report
Is Now Online
While home repairs remain at the heart of SHED’s mission, we continue to find new and meaningful ways to contribute to the stability and revitalization of University City’s 3rd Ward. 2024 was an exciting year as SHED began constructing its first single-family home, hosted an inaugural housing fair, and continued its informative home ownership education series. Read More…
SHED Holds 2025 Housing
Fair & Seminar
In April, SHED successfully hosted its second annual Housing Fair & Seminar at Refresh Community Church. It was an informative morning filled with expert-led sessions, practical tips, and actionable resources on everything from buying a first home and securing financing to maintaining property and building long-term wealth. Read More…
