
06/26/25
Community Driven: Reinvention by Community Rallies Around Youth Facing Housing Instability
In the wake of the recent tornado that displaced families across the region, already fragile safety nets are under even greater strain. Schools have closed, resources are stretched thin, and students navigating housing insecurity face mounting challenges.
Moments like this underscore the importance of investing in local leadership and community-driven solutions. Since its inception, The Opportunity Trust’s Reinvention by Community (RBC) has directed nearly $300,000 to people and organizations addressing pressing needs in St. Louis communities, in and out of schools. Now in its fifth grant cycle, The RBC initiative has awarded $27,000 in microgrants to six grassroots organizations supporting unhoused youth, at a time when their work is more critical than ever. Selected by a community-led committee of educators, parents, and a student, these grantees are leading targeted, actionable efforts to meet one of the city’s most urgent needs.

Trusting the People Closest to the Problem
Since its launch, Reinvention by Community has remained committed to investing in community leaders and organizations providing real solutions for students and families in St. Louis. Every dollar invested is driven by the voices of those closest to the challenge—parents, educators, and students themselves.
This year’s grant cycle underscores what’s possible when community members are empowered to lead. The community-led RBC committee chose organizations based on the clarity and feasibility of their proposals, their track record of serving youth, and how closely their solutions reflected the needs of the communities they aim to support. In the wake of the May 2025 tornado, which deepened housing instability for many of St. Louis’s youngest residents, the need for responsive, community-driven solutions has never been more urgent.
As the city rebuilds, these organizations are not just addressing the crisis; they’re reshaping systems. The work stretches far beyond temporary shelter. It touches classrooms, cafeterias, churches, and community centers, demonstrating that real reinvention happens when we center the voices of those most affected.
With donor support, we’re enabling these leaders to drive change on the ground. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on the RBC awardees and the progress they’re making across St. Louis.