Across the United States, there are 955 streets named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Yet far too many of these streets, including our own, bear the scars of deliberate disinvestment and neglect.

But we believe a different story is possible. With hope in our hearts, the strength of our legacy, and the dreams of those who came before us, we are committed to rebuilding, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood.

From Mill Creek to The Ville, the Catholic Church stands united in this mission. We are answering the call to restore dignity, renew communities, and honor the dream Dr. King so boldly proclaimed, not just in word but in action.

We Build Together: A Faith-Fueled Housing Initiative in the Ville

The We Build Together Housing Initiative is a collaborative effort rooted in faith, dignity, and community renewal. Led by a coalition of Catholic parishes — St. Xavier “College” Church, St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Church, St. Peter Claver, and St. Josephine Bakhita — this initiative is focused on revitalizing the historic Ville neighborhood in North St. Louis.

Our mission is simple: to restore hope through housing. We are transforming vacant lots and abandoned buildings into affordable, high-quality homes. These homes are designed for families to thrive, for seniors to age with dignity, for veterans to find stability, and for young people to build a future.

Affordable does not mean low quality. We are committed to using durable materials and thoughtful design to create homes that residents can take pride in. Our goal is not to gentrify the Ville or displace its people. Instead, we want to invest in the neighborhood in a way that lifts up those who have long called it home. We believe the people of the Ville deserve to remain in the community they love and to live in homes that reflect their worth and resilience.

Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and a shared vision grounded in Catholic social teaching, We Build Together is responding to the urgent need for housing while nurturing a deeper sense of belonging and hope.

Together we are reclaiming sacred ground. Together we are building more than homes. We are building hope.