Urban League opens Senior Apartments in Dellwood

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, in its continuing effort to improve quality of life for all St. Louis area residents, celebrated the opening of Urban League Senior Apartments in Dellwood on May 21, 2024.

Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, called the apartments “a testament to our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of our community.”

“This development not only provides affordable housing but also fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for our senior residents.”

In partnership with Gardner Capital, the state-of-art facility offers affordable senior housing and marks another step toward neighborhood revitalization a decade after unrest in nearby Ferguson following the death of unarmed Michael Brown at the hands of a police officer.

The complex features 44 apartment homes, with one- and two-bedroom layouts. They are furnished with energy-efficient appliances and universal design features. In addition to quality housing, the community will offer amenities designed to enhance the residents’ quality of life.

This includes a resident lounge on the first floor, a food pantry, fitness classes, and computer center, which can create opportunities for socialization and connectivity in partnership with Oasis Senior Services.

“We are proud to partner with the Urban League in bringing this vital project to fruition,” said Michael Gardner, Gardner Capital president and CEO.

“Together, we are not only building housing but also building hope and opportunity for the residents of Dellwood.”

Gardner added that the Gardner Capital Upward Mobility Fund will donate two Tesla Model 3s. to promote mobility and access.

The vehicles will provide free, accessible, and reliable transportation to any senior citizen residing in the Urban League Apartments.

“Whether it’s attending family events, medical appointments, or running daily errands, residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have access to convenient transportation at no cost,” said Gardner.

Additionally, the Upward Mobility Fund is providing long-term funding to provide for free charging for the donated vehicles as well as free charging for current and future tenants for a minimum term of 20 years. This long-term commitment is at a minimum $250,000.

According to McMillan, the initiative “would not have been possible” without the collaboration of Grow America, St. Louis County, Missouri Housing Development Commission, KAI, Centene, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, City of Dellwood, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Great Southern Bank.

“We celebrate the new residents who are embarking on this transformative journey. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all,” he said.

Grill to Glory

The Urban League and a network of area churches have fired up the 2024 Grill to Glory weekend events.

Since its inception at Leonard Baptist Church, Grill to Glory has grown into a statewide initiative. Originating as a response to the pressing drug crisis, the mission is now part of urban the fabric at churches in the St. Louis, Kansas City and Memphis areas.

According to participants, 90% of churches which held Grill to Glory events increased attendance at Sunday services, with every church experiencing membership growth.

Grill to Glory will be celebrated in nearly 300 churches within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Its reach extends beyond barbecue, encompassing health screenings, legal aid, utility assistance, and more.

“This is a game changer,” said James Clark, Urban League vice president of public safety during a kickoff event on May 18 at the Urban League headquarters.

“We see ‘Grill to Glory’ as that change agent; that pivotal model that can reintroduce the neighborhood church to neighborhood families when there is so much need out here.

“Food is love.”

To register a church for Grill to Glory participation, please visit www.ulstl.com/grilltoglory-registrationform.html