The Housing Partnership, Inc. in Saint Louis, MO
HUD-approved nonprofit housing counselor and community housing development organization serving the St. Louis/Lemay area since 1998, offering free homebuyer education and down payment assistance.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
The Housing Partnership, Inc. Review
The Housing Partnership was incorporated in May 1998 by residents and stakeholders of the Lemay community working with St. Louis County government following the Mississippi River flood of 1993. The organization has evolved into a Certified HUD Housing Counseling Agency and designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) with 25+ years of service in affordable housing and financial stability.
The organization offers three primary service lines: (1) Homebuyer Services including free workshops, counseling, and down payment assistance for first-time buyers; (2) Residential Development focused on new construction and home rehabilitation in Lemay; and (3) Home Repair Services and volunteer programs to help existing homeowners maintain safe, functional properties. All homebuyer counseling services are free, and the organization provides educational programming about the mortgage process and home ownership prerequisites.
The Housing Partnership distinguishes itself through direct community impact metrics: 67+ new construction or rehabbed homes, 221+ first-time homebuyers served, 168+ homes repaired, and 1,882+ volunteer hours donated in Lemay. The organization partners with local unions (Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562), casinos, universities, and community groups to amplify impact. Their approach combines financial counseling with hands-on community development rather than lending money.
This is a legitimate nonprofit with deep community roots and no financial product offering. Clients report satisfaction with educational value and professional service. The primary limitation is geographic focus on the Lemay/greater St. Louis region and a development-focused mission that may limit availability of homebuyer services to non-Lemay residents. No online application portal or 24/7 access is mentioned on their website.
Services & Features
Feature Checklist
Pros & Cons
Pros
- HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency provides credible, government-certified homebuyer education at no cost
- Offers down payment assistance grants to qualified first-time homebuyers, reducing barriers to home purchase
- 25+ year track record with 221+ first-time homebuyers successfully counseled, demonstrating program effectiveness
- Free homebuyer workshops available regularly, including specialized tracks for "Not Under Contract" and "Under Contract" buyers
- Community partnership model with local unions and organizations amplifies volunteer support and reduces overhead costs
- Comprehensive approach combining financial counseling, down payment help, and post-purchase home repair services
- Transparent reporting with published 2023 Annual Report and detailed impact statistics available on website
Cons
- Geographic limitation: Primary focus on Lemay community and greater St. Louis region; services may not be available outside this area
- Limited online presence: No online intake forms, chat, or appointment booking system visible; contact information requires website navigation
- Development-focused mission may prioritize new construction/rehab over expanding counseling services to all St. Louis residents
- Website does not specify eligibility criteria, income limits, or down payment assistance award amounts for potential applicants
- No mention of multilingual services or ADA-specific accommodations on homepage despite Fair Housing page existence
Rating Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Housing Partnership, Inc. legitimate?
Yes. The Housing Partnership, Inc. is a registered company, headquartered in Saint Louis, MO.
How long does The Housing Partnership, Inc. take to show results?
Counseling available within 1-2 weeks of contact.
Quick Facts
- Headquarters
- Saint Louis, MO
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Certifications
- HUD-Approved
- Starting Price
- Free to Use
- Setup Fee
- None
- Free Consultation
- Yes
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on The Housing Partnership, Inc.
The Housing Partnership is the correct choice for first-time homebuyers in the St. Louis region seeking free, certified housing counseling and potential down payment assistance from a legitimate nonprofit with 25+ years of community credibility. Primary caveat: services are geographically concentrated in Lemay and surrounding St. Louis areas, and applicants must contact the organization directly via their website for eligibility verification and specific assistance terms.
Best For
- First-time homebuyers in the St. Louis/Lemay area seeking free, HUD-certified counseling and education
- Lemay residents needing home repair assistance or property maintenance support through volunteer programs
- Low-to-moderate income households pursuing down payment assistance grants for home purchase
- Prospective homebuyers wanting educational workshops before beginning the mortgage process
More Free Help
United Way Center for Financial Stability
U-Snap-Bac
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