Revitalizing Wellston: Clean Up, Build Up
Community unites for positive change and neighborhood revitalization
On Saturday, September 28th and Thursday, October 3rd, the Clean Up, Build Up two-day event took place in Wellston. Community members and representatives from St. Louis companies came together to transform the neighborhood. This initiative was a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to partner together and contribute to neighborhood improvements in the Wellston area.
Volunteers handled various tasks throughout the event including brush removal, trash pickup and various other beautification efforts. The two-day effort brought together many people from across the region. Companies that volunteered include Ameren, Spire, American Water and AT&T, amongst many other regional companies and organizations.
Clean Up, Build Up is part of a multi-year partnership between the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (Urban League) and the St. Louis Regional Business Council (RBC). Their goal is the revitalization of some of the region’s most challenged neighborhoods. Efforts to improve neighborhoods include bettering living conditions through debris and trash removal, cleaning up lots, demolishing unsafe buildings, installing lights and improving security by giving out Ring Home Security Cameras to residents.
“This two day project is a wonderful example of collaboration between multiple companies, stakeholders and organizations to help improve the quality of life to the citizens of Wellston,” said Bill Budde, AVP of Real Estate and Facilities.
Mayor Griffin and STL Partnership Volunteers
During Thursday’s event, there was a press conference featuring many influential community members. Speakers included:
- James Clark, vice president of public safety for the Urban League
- Karen Branding, CEO and president of the RBC
- Minister Farrakhan Shegog, director of the Federation of Block Initiatives for the Urban League
- Nathaniel Griffin, mayor of Wellston
- Sam Page, St. Louis County executive
- Rita Days, 1st district councilwoman of St. Louis County
- Chris Krehmeyer, CEO and president of Beyond Housing
- Rodney Crim, CEO and president of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership)
- Representatives from AT&T and American Water.