Until the mid 60’s, Lindell Park was a strong and thriving community.  Its proximity to the city center made it attractive to the city’s business people.  In addition, Lindell Park housed Sportsman’s Park, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, attracting both people and businesses.  In 1966, the Cardinals’ move to Busch Stadium was a contributing factor to the economic decline of our community.  Many businesses relocated, and absentee landlords and owners neglected housing.  Over time many people moved away.  The result has been a downward spiral for our community during the past 40 years.

• 98% African-American.
• Median Household Income: $22,500.  1/3 live below the poverty line.
• 20% of the people are unemployed.
• 25% of the area’s housing is vacant and unsuitable for occupancy.
• Another 25% need repair.
• 1/3 of the people in our community did not complete high school; 1/3 did not go beyond high school.
• Population has declined 35% over the past 10 years.

“Yes, statistics are fine, but what are the area and its people like?”

Many of our neighbors are aware that they live among the “have-not’s” of society.  Lindell Park is located less than five minutes from Powell Symphony Hall and the Fox Theater, two of St. Louis’ finest amenities.  Nevertheless, these area attractions are largely beyond the financial means of our community.  Our community also consists of many families dependent upon Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – a system that meets their basic needs, but offers little empowerment beyond that.  The resulting despair and hopelessness often lead to substance abuse and other destructive behavior.

Alternatively, the negative environment motivates many in our community to strive to attain success.  Residents, especially young people, long to escape the despair and gain the respect of their peers. “Making it” can be defined as taking pride in material possessions, even if it comes at the expense of overwhelming debt.  The need to “get it together” also motivates people to excel academically or professionally in order to provide for family, or for a better life in general.

The church in the African-American community has always been a foundational entity. As an autonomous organization, it serves an important role religiously, politically and socially.  Many of the churches in the neighborhood are comprised of members who commute from outside of our neighborhood.  As a result, many of the people of the community are unchurched.  One of Jubilee’s focuses is to be neighbors and thereby win our neighbors for Christ.

This area has a much more community and relational focus. As opposed to the commuter culture of the suburbs where relationships are based primarily on activities such as clubs, sports, and churches, in the city, relationships are often based on where you live. People see themselves less as individuals and more as a community. You may also notice that there is a slower pace of life in Lindell Park.  People are usually willing to stop and talk. Particularly in the spring and fall, you will often see people sitting on their front porches.