A community property restored for the next generation.
I'm Annie Hamilton, founder of Precious Ways Development Center. For years, our organization has worked to serve the St. Louis community through outreach programs, food assistance, clothing drives, hygiene drives, back-to-school events, afterschool programs, summer primer programs, Juneteenth celebrations, and advocacy for individuals and families in need.
Today, we are taking the next step in our mission: restoring our historic 126-year-old community property so it can become a safe, welcoming space for youth, young adults, and families seeking support and community opportunity.
This building has stood for over a century. With your support, it will stand for a century more — as a permanent home for the people of St. Louis who need it most.
"We're not just restoring a building — we're restoring hope for our community."
— Annie Hamilton, Founder
Every program we run starts with listening to the people we serve — their needs shape everything we do.
We meet every person where they are, without judgment, and with genuine compassion.
From food drives to youth programs, we build solutions that strengthen families for the long term.
What We Do
Five ways we serve St. Louis every day
- Food & Essentials
Outreach & Basic Needs
We provide food assistance, clothing, and hygiene supplies to families and individuals across St. Louis. No one in our community should go without the basics — and we show up to make sure they don't.
- Food pantry & grocery assistance
- Clothing and hygiene drives
- Direct outreach to families in need
- Youth & Education
Youth & Family Programs
From afterschool programs to summer primers and back-to-school drives, we invest in the next generation. Our youth programs give children and young adults the resources, mentorship, and safe space they need to thrive.
- Afterschool programs & tutoring
- Summer primer programs
- Back-to-school supply drives
- Life Skills & Growth
Life-Skills Classes
We offer life-skills classes designed to equip individuals with the practical tools they need to build independence and stability — from financial literacy and job readiness to everyday living skills.
- Financial literacy & budgeting
- Job readiness & career skills
- Everyday living & independence skills
- Housing & Stability
Temporary Low-Income Housing
We are working to provide temporary low-income housing for individuals in need — a safe, stable place to land while they get back on their feet. Our restored building will make this vision a reality for St. Louis.
- Temporary housing for individuals in need
- Supportive environment for stability
- Pathway to long-term independence
- Community & Advocacy
Community Events & Advocacy
We celebrate our community's culture and history through events like our annual Juneteenth celebration, while advocating for individuals and families navigating difficult systems. Community is our foundation.
- Annual Juneteenth celebration
- Community events & cultural programming
- Advocacy for individuals & families
The Restoration
A 126-year-old building. A new chapter.
Our historic community property at 3850 Sullivan Ave has served this neighborhood for over a century. We're restoring it to become a permanent, welcoming hub for youth, young adults, and families.
Help us restore our community's home.
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply connect — there's a place for you at Precious Ways. Every contribution helps us restore our historic building and expand our programs for St. Louis families.
Every contribution matters
- Donate — Support the building restoration and fund our ongoing community programs.
- Volunteer — Join us at food drives, back-to-school events, Juneteenth, and more.
- Spread the word — Share our mission with your network and help us reach more families.
- Partner with us — Organizations and businesses can partner to amplify our community impact.