Updated April 14th at 6am.

What do recent legislative bills and non-profit action mean for residents of Dutchtown and small businesses in our neighborhood? We try our best to break down what we know about the various bills and how they may affect our neighbors and local small businesses.

For Our Dutchtown Neighbors

Payments to Individuals and Families

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) will provide individuals with direct relief in the form of cash in hand for families while also expanding unemployment benefits to help those who have lost their job in the wake of COVID-19.

Individuals who earn less than $75,000 a year should receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. If you are married, each spouse will receive that amount. If you have children, each child will be an additional $500. Consequently, if you are in a married family with two kids making less than $150,000, you can expect to receive $3,400 total. If your family earns more money than that, the amount you receive decreases and families making more than $198,000 will not receive any cash support.

Checks will go out by mail or be direct deposited depending on what information an individual has on file with the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration. The money is structured as an advance tax credit.

Tax Deadlines Extended

Speaking of taxes, deadlines for federal income taxes, Missouri state income taxes, and City of St. Louis earnings taxes have been extended to July 15th, 2020. However, some types of forms and reporting are still due, so consult a tax professional if you have questions.

Other Relief For Families

The CARES Act provisions include emergency funds for food and nutrition programs assuming the state of Missouri moves quickly to take advantage of the changes. This includes the possibility for increased SNAP benefits and expanding SNAP eligibility to families with school children who are now at home. Visit the Missouri Department of Social Services to check for updates.

Relief for Child Care Providers

The CARES Act will allow self-employed individuals, including child care providers, to qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Relief for the Unemployed

Unemployment insurance payments are being increased by an additional $600 per week. File for Missouri unemployment benefits here.

For Our Dutchtown Small Businesses

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

Missouri was designated as a disaster zone by the federal government which freed up the opportunity for small businesses to apply for disaster relief loans normally reserved for things like fire, floods, or other weather events. The amount of money available was also increased through the CARES Act.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

The loans can be used for a variety of things including debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills accrued due to COVID-19. To get more details and apply, visit the online portal, but be aware the demand has caused the website to slow down and crash at times.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at the SBA’s website. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

While it is still recommended that applicants keep trying to apply through the SBA Disaster loan portal, this may not be possible for some due to the high volume of traffic. You can also print the paper forms and mail them in or upload them electronically. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Tx., 76155 or emailed to disasterloans@sba.gov.

Other Small Business Resources

COVID-19 Regional Business Information Center

The St. Louis Regional Chamber is keeping the most up-to-date website to provide information on COVID-19, with information on business resources, regional resources, travel, and event updates. Please check back often to see the latest information.

Regional Impact Survey

Please fill out the Regional Impact Survey conducted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber so that they can learn more about the needs of local businesses and how to serve them better.

Small Business Resource Fund

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and the St. Louis Development Corporation are offering a zero interest loan of up to $5,000 for small businesses in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County that have sustained economic damage due to the COVID-19 crisis. Loan details can be found here.

Apply for a loan here. For questions about the program, please email bizhelp@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Community Foundation Regional Response Fund

The St. Louis Community Foundation has established two funds to help small businesses and nonprofits.

The Gateway Resilience Fund will help provide short-term monetary relief to small locally-owned businesses and their employees.

The Regional Response Fund was established to direct aid to local non-profit organizations delivering services to people affected by the virus including children, the elderly, and the isolated.

America’s SBDC—Missouri

To help business owners prepare for the changing circumstances associated with COVID-19, the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has some suggestions for businesses that have been financially impacted.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Small Businesses, and Employee Leave

If you have employees, there are also some changes to Family Medical Leave Act. This usually only applies to covered employers who have 50 or more employees. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) temporarily mandates full-time workers be paid their full wages for up to 2 weeks when they are unable to report to work for coronavirus-related reasons. This applies to any business with fewer than 500 employees.

Moreover, a brand new law, The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, requires any individual employed by an employer for at least 30 days (before the first day of leave) may take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave to allow an employee, who is unable to work or telework, to care for the employee’s child (under 18 years of age) if the child’s school or place of care is closed or the childcare provider is unavailable due to a public health emergency. This act applies regardless of whether the employee is full-time or part-time.

The first 10 days of EFML may be unpaid. During this 10-day period, an employee may elect to substitute any accrued paid leave (like vacation or sick leave) to cover some or all of the 10-day unpaid period, however, the employer cannot require the employee to substitute paid leave. After the 10-day period, the employer is required to pay full-time employees at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate for the number of hours the employee would otherwise be normally scheduled. The new Act limits this pay entitlement to $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate per employee.

Employers will be repaid in the form of certain dollar for dollar tax credits. The legislation allows for refundable tax credits in “an amount equal to 100% of the qualified” sick leave paid by the employer for each calendar quarter. The credit can be taken against the employer’s portion of the Social Security taxes. However, there are some caps and limits. Specifically, the refund for sick leave is capped at between $200 and $511 per day depending on the qualifying event. There will effectively be a two week cap on the credit for sick leave.

However, the Act also includes language allowing the Secretary of Labor to exclude healthcare providers and emergency responders from the definition of employees who can take such leave, and to exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if the required leave would jeopardize the viability of their business. This exemption has obviously caused some confusion about who does and doesn’t have to pay the two weeks leave.

Because these changes to the law are complicated and any small business should consult further resources or a legal professional before making their business decisions.

Additional Information

Education and Discussion

Treasurer Tishaura Jones and Don Calloway have an in-depth discussion on financial relief for individuals, small businesses, and non-profits in this video.

Small Business Impact Survey and Mornings on Main

Missouri Main Street Connection is taking a survey of small businesses in Missouri to help understand the issues and challenges local small businesses are currently facing.

MMSC is also offering weekly webinars and discussions, Mornings on Main, every Wednesday morning at 8:30am. Learn how other small businesses and neighborhoods are adapting to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

MMSC has recently partnered with DT2 for the UrbanMain Initiative to revitalize Downtown Dutchtown.

InvestSTL Neighborhood Solidarity Fund

InvestSTL has created their Neighborhood Solidarity Fund to help neighborhood organizations, community development programs, and local small businesses weather the COVID-19 crisis by bolstering human, organizational, and economic infrastructure at the neighborhood level.

The Neighborhood Innovations in Connectivity grant is available for formal and informal neighborhood associations and similar organizations. The CDC Stability grant is available for neighborhood-focused community development organizations to maintain core operations, staff and healthy work environments. And the Neighborhood Small Business Lift grant is available for neighborhood-serving small businesses to maintain staff, facilities and other essential costs.

Fundraisers

The Cherokee Street Community Improvement District and Cherokee-Lemp Special Business District have created a GoFundMe, Show Up 4 Cherokee Street, to assist the more than 150 local businesses and their employees on Cherokee Street. Businesses and employees must complete an application to receive assistance.

If you know of additional resources for individuals or small businesses, please let us know so we can add them.

You can also read our other post containing a list of small businesses that you can support during this crisis.

Updated April 29th at 8am.

Due to the current Corona virus health crisis, many businesses and organizations are reducing hours, limiting services, or temporarily closing. It is of the utmost importance that we limit potential person-to-person exposure, practice good hygiene, and stay safe and healthy.

If you are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), you can call the the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 877-435-8411 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also contact the City of St. Louis Department of Health at 314-657-1499 Monday–Friday, 8am–10pm, or the CDC‘s hotline at 800-232-6348.

The City of St. Louis has issued a stay at home order effective indefinitely into May. Do not leave your home except to purchase essentials (groceries, medicine, etc.), to go to work, or to receive medical treatment. When in public, stay six feet apart from others to minimize contact and transmission.

Resources and Information

Many of our neighbors will especially struggle during this time due to the loss of wages, scarcity of food, and difficulty in providing childcare. If you have the means or ability to support neighborhood organizations, either via financial contribution or through volunteering, please consider doing so.

Downtown Dutchtown, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, and the Dutchtown Community Improvement District have drafted a letter to the Mayor’s Office, Department of Health, and Missouri Foundation for Health requesting additional resources for our neighborhood in the fight against COVID-19.

Visit dutchtownstl.org/help/ for information on the CARES Act that includes one-time payments to individuals, assistance to small businesses, and more. That page will be updated regularly as we come across additional resources for financial and other assistance for our neighbors.

Dutchtown South Community Corporation, Grace Kyung, and 20th Ward Ald. Cara Spencer have worked together to create a handy resource guide. Print some copies and leave them with your neighbors.

WePower also has a list of resources including funds and financial support for individuals and businesses, how to apply for unemployment, current job opportunities, and more.

The City of St. Louis has put together a list including information on COVID-19 testing sites and more.

Affinia Healthcare at 3930 South Broadway will begin offering drive-thru testing between 1pm and 4pm on weekdays. Call 314-833-2777 to make an appointment.

Family Care Health Center in Carondelet is offering testing, but you must be a current patient. Call 314-353-5190 to make an appointment.

BJC Healthcare offers testing in the Central West End. Call 314-747-3000 and ask for the COVID-19 Hotline for more information.

If you’re looking to volunteer, United Way’s stlvolunteer.org website has a wide variety of opportunities throughout St. Louis.

Dutchtown South Community Corporation is conducting a survey to assess the needs and concerns of our neighbors. Complete the survey and provide your email address, and DSCC will work to connect you with services.

STL COVID Mutual Aid is seeking donations and offering direct assistance to neighbors. You can share or request resources online, or for more information you can email DutchtownMA@gmail.com or call Adriana at 314-390-6795.

Food Pantries

St. Anthony Food Pantry is currently still operating. Please contact them at 314-352-1460 if you would like to make a contribution or are in need of their services. The pantry serves residents from the 63111, 63116, and 63118 zip codes, and an ID and a piece of mail are required to verify residency. The pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to noon, and Wednesdays 4pm to 6pm.

The St. Louis Area Food Bank offers additional services, pairing people in need with access to food pantries and mobile distribution events. You can find nearby food pantries on their website. You can also make a monetary donation, or find out ways to donate food and time.

Schools and Recreation

While St. Louis Public Schools‘ buildings are closed through the end of the school year, they are providing free grab-and-go meals to children up to 18 years old at various school locations throughout the city. The closest locations for our neighbors are at Carnahan High School at Broadway and Gasconade, Confluence Academy at Meramec and Michigan, and Froebel School at Nebraska and Winnebago. Pick up a week’s worth of meals every Friday from 8am to noon while supplies last. Visit www.slps.org/meals for more information available in several languages.

SLPS is also offering educational resources for students and parents to keep kids learning and engaged while they’re away from school. Visit slps.org/keeponlearning for information.

SLPS also has a list of additional resources regarding child wellbeing, mental health, and available counseling.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center has closed to the general public, but will continue to offer Food Share in the parking lot on Thursdays. HiSET classes will continue via Google Classroom.

The Marquette Recreation Center, along with all other city rec centers, are closed until further notice. Parks are still open, but playgrounds, athletic fields, basketball courts, and the like are closed.

The Virginia-Alabama-Liberty (VAL) Garden has a few beds available if you’re looking for an outdoor, socially-distant activity. Email Dona at donacoleman@sbcglobal.net or call her at 314-960-8846 for more information.

Gene Slay’s Girls and Boys Club is offering free grab and go meals for children up t0 18 years old from 8am to noon, Monday through Friday, at their new Dutchtown location, 3216 Pulaski Street. No student ID is required. They’re also providing engaging and educational videos for kids on their Facebook page, with more programming on the way for our neighborhood youth.

Utilities and Internet Access

The City of St. Louis Water Division, Ameren Electric, and Spire Energy have all suspended disconnections and will not be assessing late fees. United Way of Greater St. Louis and Heat Up St. Louis may be able to offer additional assistance with utility bills.

Spectrum is offering free broadband internet for 60 days for students who do not already have Spectrum internet at home. Call 1-844-488-8395 for more information.

AT&T is also offering free or reduced price internet service to low-income households that receive SNAP benefits. You can apply online at the link or call 855-220-5211 (855-220-5225 for Spanish).

Virtual Events

We are compiling and updating a list of virtual events pertinent to our neighbors. Whether you’re looking for updates on the ongoing health situation, seeking to stay engaged with your community, or just trying to have a little fun, you’ll find some opportunities to join your neighbors online here.

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We’ll continue to update this section as we become aware of more resources available to our Dutchtown neighbors. If you’re looking for financial resources and assistance to individuals and small businesses, visit dutchtownstl.org/help/.

If you’re aware of additional available resources that should be on our list, please contact us so that we may add them to this page.

Other Businesses and Organizations

Callisto Comics and Stories has an eBay shop for all of your comic book and graphic novel needs. They’re also offering free local delivery with a purchase of $10 or more. Message them via their Facebook page to order.

El Chico Bakery is open and offering curbside pickup. Get your conchas, empañadas, and other baked goods by calling 314- 664-2212.

Dad’s Cookie Company is open for business with curbside pickup available. Call 314-772-3662 to place an order. They also offer online ordering for those in need of Scotch Oatmeal cookies or a variety of other treats, and you can still find their products in local grocery stores as well.

Diana’s Bakery is open every day except Tuesday and Thursday, 6am to 5pm. Call 314-771-6959 to order ahead.

Don’s Meat Market is open for business as usual, Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

Flowers and Weeds has an online shop to purchase gift cards and lots more.

Golden Gems is offering free shipping on all online orders.

Gurung Bazaar is closed for shopping, but you can place an order by phone and pick up from 11am to 6pm. Call 314-664-2884 to order.

Liberty Hardware is open for your home repair and DIY project needs. Call 314-773-3520 for information.

Pele Prints is selling some of their one-of-a-kind prints for $60 each, shipping included. Browse their website and contact them to order. Support neighborhood artists!

Perennial is currently closed to the public, but you can still purchase gift cards and memberships online. You can also order from their shop for curbside pickup on Saturdays.

Saint Louis Hop Shop is offering online ordering and curbside pickup 10am–7pm for all your beer needs. View a list of available beers or call 314-261-4011 for more information.

STL Style is offering 15% off online orders while their retail shop on Cherokee is closed. Use code “LOCKDOWNSTL” to get your discount.

El Torito Market is open for business on Cherokee Street.

Twice Blessed Resale Shop is currently closed, but around the corner Our Lady’s Inn is still operating. You can contact them to make a donation of food or money.

Stay safe and healthy, stay home when you can, and look out for your neighbors and neighborhood businesses. Visit Visit dutchtownstl.org/help/ for information on financial assistance for individuals and businesses. Please let us know of any additional resources available to our neighbors.

The Dutchtown Community Improvement District is looking for your help to plan and prioritize for the next fiscal year budget. Join a committee or attend a board meeting to have your voice heard!

Committees meet quarterly, in March, June, September, and December. If you have particular interests or skills, you’re encouraged to join the committee that’s right for you. All are welcome to attend the board meetings held at the Neighborhood Innovation Center on the fourth Thursday of every month.

Beautification and Maintenance Committee

The Beautification and Maintenance Committee is responsible for improvements in cleanliness and aesthetics throughout the CID. So far, improvements include new and upgraded trash cans and flower bulb plantings that you’ll see popping up soon. The Beautification Committee has initialized contracts with Metro Sweeping and St. Patrick’s Center for trash hauling, general maintenance, and cleanup.

If you have ideas for improvements you’d like to see in the District, join the Beautification and Maintenance Committee on Thursday, March 5th. They will meet at 5:30pm at the office of architect Tony Duncan, 4527 Virginia Avenue in the old Stork Inn.

Marketing and Development Committee

The Marketing and Development Committee seeks to promote the neighborhood and attract interest and investment in the CID. Some of the Marketing Committee’s work includes the website you’re reading right now, along with sponsorship of events like 2019’s Go Dutch! real estate mixer.

If you have marketing skills or interest in real estate development, join the Marketing and Development Committee on Thursday, March 12th. The Marketing Committee meets at 6pm at Patrick McKeane’s Pub at the Original Crusoe’s.

Safety and Security Committee

The Safety and Security Committee addresses issues of crime prevention and deterrence and aims to improve the perception of safety throughout the District. The Safety Committee was tasked with contracting for security patrols in the District and is actively seeking other means of improving safety in the area.

If you would like to help make the Dutchtown CID a safer place to live and work, join the Safety and Security Committee on March 19th. The committee meets at 5:30pm at the Original Crusoe’s Restaurant.

Board of Directors

The Dutchtown CID’s Board of Directors is comprised of seven members. While there are no scheduled openings on the board until 2021, residents from within and around the District are encouraged to attend the monthly board meetings open to the public. At the meetings you’ll get reports from the committee chairs, learn about the budget and ongoing contracts, and hear from guests and neighbors.

The next Board of Directors meeting is on Thursday, March 26th, 5:30pm at the Neighborhood Innovation Center. Check the Facebook event page the week of the meeting to find an agenda.

As the weather gets better, the calendar fills up. There’s so much to do in Dutchtown this March!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date. And we’re always adding more events to the Dutchtown Calendar.

Primary Election Day

Tuesday, March 10th is the Missouri presidential primary election. Don’t forget to vote! For our neighbors on the east side of the 25th Ward, please note that your new polling place is at the Neighborhood Innovation Center, 3207 Meramec, in the old bank building. Find your polling place here.

Fish Fry Season

Friday fish fry season is upon us! St. Anthony of Padua, St. Cecilia, and St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran offer outstanding food at prices that can’t be beat, along with a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your neighbors and show off the neighborhood to visitors from all over the area.

St. Anthony’s hosts their fish fries in the Parish Hall at 3135 Meramec, across the street from the church. Dates are February 28th, March 13th, March 27th (Cajun Night), and April 10th.

The St. Cecilia fish fries are weekly, February 28th through April 3rd. Find out about online orders and reservations at St. Cecilia’s website.

St. Luke’s, at Taft and Alaska, offers fish fries every Friday from March 6th through April 3rd.

Neighborhood and Garden Cleanups

As spring rolls in and the weather improves, it’s a great time to organize a neighborhood trash pickup event or a community garden work day. A few are already on the calendar.

Neighbors are teaming up to tackle trash along Interstate 55 on Saturday, February 29th. Meet at the Lyle House at Carondelet Park at 7:45am, or at Marquette Park at 9am and help out while you can. Trash bags will be provided but make sure to bring your own gloves.

On Sunday, March 1st, help the Marine Villa Neighborhood Association clean up the monarch butterfly garden at the South Broadway Firehouse. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join from 9am to noon.

The Pride of Potomac Garden in Gravois Park is looking for volunteers to help prepare the garden on Saturday, March 28th at 10am. The garden is at Potomac and Pennsylvania.

If you’re organizing a cleanup on your block, at your park, in your community garden, or across your neighborhood, please let us know so we can spread the word! We also keep a list of upcoming cleanups here on our website at dutchtownstl.org/cleanup/.

Dutchtown CID Meetings

In addition to the regular monthly board meeting of the Dutchtown Community Improvement District, the CID‘s committees will also meet in March. Join a committee and add your special skills to help improve the district, or attend a board meeting to see your tax dollars at work. Learn more about the committees and their functions here.

The Maintenance and Beautification Committee meet on Thursday, March 5th at 5:30pm at Tony Duncan’s architecture studio, 4527 Virginia Avenue in the old Stork Inn.

The Marketing and Development Committee meet on Thursday, March 12th. They’ll meet at 6pm at Patrick McKeane’s Pub next to the Original Crusoe’s.

The Safety and Security Committee meet on Thursday, March 19th at 5:30pm. Their meeting is at the Original Crusoe’s Restaurant.

And on Thursday, March 26th, the Dutchtown CID Board of Directors meets at the Neighborhood Innovation Center, 3207 Meramec at Compton. The meeting is at 5:30pm.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center

The St. Louis Tax Assistance Program continues on Wednesday afternoons through April 15th at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. Low and moderate income households can receive free tax preparation assistance. Appointments are required—book yours here.

Also at Thomas Dunn on Wednesdays, St. Louis Builds Credit offers weekly Credit Fairs. Get a free credit coaching session to review your credit report, set goals, and learn how to effectively build credit. Read more about Credit Fairs and tax assistance in our previous post.

Sassy Slide is a beginner and intermediate slide class that makes fitness fun. Join Sassy Slide classes on Monday nights at 6:30pm. The class is free but registration is required.

Sip ‘n Sketch is a free life drawing class for all skill levels on Wednesday, March 11th at 6pm. Drawing materials are provided. Feel free to bring a snack and an adult beverage.

Tech Support Café is open on Thursday, March 19th at 6pm. Help each other to solve problems relating to technology and build skills, self confidence, and community. Receive free technical assistance and peer mentorship from volunteer IT professionals in a welcoming, friendly, accessible workshop atmosphere.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by creating affirmative embroidery and cross stitch projects at Creative Saturday on March 28th at 1pm. All materials are supplied. The class is $5.

More Dutchtown Events

Intersect Arts Center presents Dovetail, a pairing of classical music performances and cuisine inspired by the music, on March 3rd,, March 17th, and March 31st. Music is performed by Jennifer Humphreys and Elizabeth Chung. Food is prepared by chef-artist Tai Davis. Purchase tickets at Intersect’s website.

South Broadway Art Project invites you to their fourth annual Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off and FUNraiser in support of their Girls Apprenticeship Program on Sunday, March 8th. Purchase a bowl from the gallery to sample and vote on your favorite chilis. Drinks will be available for donations, and there will also be a silent auction.

Earthbound Beer continues their partnership with the Fattened Caf with two kitchen takeovers featuring the beloved Filipino food. On Sunday, March 8th, come by for a Filipino-style brunch. And on Friday, March 27th, the Fattened Caf continues their monthly residency serving up outstanding Filipino barbecue.

Dutchtown South Community Corporation holds their next Community Empowerment Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at Thomas Dunn Learning Center. Community members help to determine and implement DSCC’s programs. Dinner and childcare are provided.

Celebrate ten years of the STyLehouse at Cherokee and Compton with a block party on Saturday, March 28th. Join STL STyLe for live music, drinks, and lots of fun.

Keep an eye on the Dutchtown Calendar as we’ll be adding more events throughout March. Follow DutchtownSTL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for even more updates. Or sign up for our mailing lists to get occasional emails about what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Everyone can use a little help around tax time. A few organizations are bringing tax preparation assistance and financial education to our neighbors in Dutchtown this tax season. Find out how to take advantage of these services below.

Tax Assistance from St. Louis TAP and VITA

Need help with your taxes? The St. Louis Tax Assistance Program is here to help! Low and moderate income families with 2019 household incomes below $56,000 can get free assistance preparing their taxes at two locations in Dutchtown.

On Saturdays through February 29th, head to St. Mary’s High School between 8:30am and 11:30am. Email StMarys@stlouistap.org or call 314-782-7454 for more information.

And on Wednesdays through April 15th, you can make an appointment to get assistance at Thomas Dunn Learning Center between 1pm and 4pm. Appointments are required—schedule yours here. Email ThomasDunn@stlouistap.org or call 314-635-8753 for more information.

If these times and locations don’t work for you, St. Louis TAP offers other dates and locations throughout the St. Louis area. Visit their website for a list of locations and dates.

Also on the South Side and across St. Louis, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers free tax preparation services for low and moderate income families. Find a list of locations and dates at their website.

If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, or you’re a bit above the income threshold, United Way offers a portal to find free online tax services. Visit MyFreeTaxes.com for more information.

Credit Fairs with St. Louis Builds Credit

St. Louis Builds Credit, a joint effort between Prosperity Connection, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, and other organizations, hosts weekly Credit Fairs every Wednesday afternoon through tax season at Thomas Dunn Learning Center.

STLBC offers residents of all credit levels free resources on credit building, including one-on-one, confidential financial coaching, classes on credit and money management, referrals to trusted partner services, and more. Get your credit report, review your goals, and create a credit building plan during your free credit coaching session.

In addition to the Wednesday Credit Fairs at Thomas Dunn, services are also available on Saturdays at the Five Start Senior Center in Benton Park West.

Why These Services Are Important

Through the effort to create the Gravois-Jefferson Historic Neighborhood Plan, Dutchtown South and their partners found that neighbors needed better access to reputable financial services. Unbanked and underbanked residents want to expand their financial capability, but need the knowledge and skills to build and keep prime credit scores.

Additionally, residents seek to reduce the number of predatory financial institutions in the Dutchtown area. This includes not just payday lenders, but also fly-by-night tax preparation services that offer expensive advance loans on tax refunds.

Organizations like St. Louis TAP and St. Louis Builds Credit can help our neighbors avoid the pitfalls of predatory financial services and empower themselves with financial strength that will ripple through Dutchtown. Take advantage of these great opportunities, and tell your neighbors!