The aim of this capstone project was to empower and assist low-income residents of the Fox Park and Tower Grove East neighborhoods in creating longer-term financial stability. This project, undertaken as a social work practicum student at DeSales Community Development, included an array of micro, mezzo, and macro actions with the goal of providing financial capability and credit building opportunities. Specifically, the following actions were taken: (1) facilitating more successful resident referrals to financial capability partners, (2) researching models and best practices for implementing a positive rent reporting program, (3) implementing this rent reporting program opportunity across 1,500 properties, (4) conducting an outreach and education campaign with both residents and property managers, and (5) researching grants and other financial means of sustaining the program long-term. Collaboration and relationship-building with community partners was vital for achieving these actions.

Jacinta would like to thank her faculty sponsor Pamela Huggins for their support of this project.