Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis is bringing new energy and affordable housing to the La Saison neighborhood with the launch of the Pope Leo Village project, a six-home development made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor who was inspired by Pope Leo’s call to serve others.
Unfortunately a public community wall raising event had to be cancelled this week due to predicted poor weather. However, a little rain and cold won’t stop Habitat’s progress. The first major milestone of the project will still take place this week as volunteers and staff raise the first walls and kick off the start of this six home build for local families.
“These homes are supported and inspired by a generous anonymous donor giving in honor of Pope Leo’s vision and commitment to serve communities,” says Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis CEO Kimberly McKinney. “We are here to serve our community together, and what better way to help than to ensure the dignity of access to affordable housing for all?”
A Neighborhood Reimagined
Pope Leo Village marks the second phase of affordable home development in La Saison, a neighborhood built on land once occupied by the former Peabody Darst-Webbe public housing site. The project includes five new homes and one recycled Habitat home, which is being returned to the program after the passing of a previous homeowner.
With more than 27 homes underway across the area, these six builds continue Habitat’s long-standing commitment to strengthen St. Louis City and County through affordable homeownership. All Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis homeowners purchase their homes through the organization’s homeownership program, commit to a modest down payment, and contribute 250 sweat equity hours.
Inspired by Service
The donor behind this project was inspired by Pope Leo’s emphasis on community service, especially among younger generations. Their hope is that this initiative not only creates housing but also reignites civic engagement and a shared sense of purpose.
“Building high-quality, affordable housing provides an exciting opportunity for us all, with a special appeal to young adults, to put Faith into Action with the Pope Leo Village initiative,” said the anonymous donor. “As Pope Leo has said, ‘In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.’ With outstanding leadership at Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, we can join hands, united, in common purpose, to build communities of hope, in service to others.”
Pope Leo Village is part of a growing nationwide effort, with more than a dozen Habitat affiliates across the country building in honor of Pope Leo’s call to act locally and lift up communities.
A Call to Build, Give, and Serve
Habitat is clear that the long-term goal is deeper community involvement. The organization is encouraging residents across the region to engage in four ways:
- Volunteer on build sites.
- Donate to support local construction and homebuyers.
- Advocate for affordable housing.
- Serve through community stewardship and partnerships.
“We do our best to never turn down support when aligned with our mission, whether it’s money, time, resources, or advocacy,” says Harper Zielonko, director of resource development. “We want people to engage in every way they can. We’ll find a place for anyone who wants to help. Pope Leo Village is a way for people to get involved in their community, and Habitat can be the organization they do that with.”
The Year To Come
Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, with more plans to deepen its impact and rally community partners around affordable housing.
These six homes in Pope Leo Village will not only close out the La Saison development but also help carry forward a vision rooted in hope, service, and homeownership for all.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. To get involved with the Pope Leo Village project or learn more about Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, visit habitatstl.org.
