Damage Mitigation Fund

Created by the Tower Grove Community Development Corporation (TGCDC), funded by the Bergess Family Foundation. 

This fund acts as an incentive for increased landlord participation in ARCH by HomeScreen, connecting over 100 local nonprofit organizations seeking housing for their clients to available, affordable rental units. By offering up to $3,000 to landlords for verified expenses related to rental arrears or excessive damages, the DMF aims to secure housing for 250 people over the next three years. 

The fund is available to landlords who: 

  • Registered for HomeScreen and opted in to ARCH by HomeScreen

  • List their available rental property on ARCH by HomeScreen; properties must be located in the St. Louis metro area*

    • *St Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, and Franklin Counties in MO, and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in IL 

  • Processed and approved a renter application through ARCH by HomeScreen, on or after 1/1/2026

Landlords who meet the above criteria can file a claim based on the following scenarios for a maximum payout of $3,000 per approved application:

  • A maximum of three (3) months of unpaid rent, not to exceed $3,000, including in situations where a tenant has left before the end of a lease 

  • OR up to $3,000 in property damage, exceeding the security deposit, in excess of normal wear and tear 

  • OR a combination of rental arrears and property damage costs, not to exceed $3,000

Program Requirements:

  • Applicants must have income verified by HomeScreen of 120% AMI or less

  • The Landlord must have a signed lease and “Move-In Condition Report” on file with the tenant and/or social service provider (SSP) in place after application approval

  • The Landlord and a representative from the supporting nonprofit organization, aka the SSP, must complete DMF orientation and sign a statement of understanding, including agreeing to participate in mitigation efforts, before filing a claim or starting an eviction process.

Submit a Claim

Be sure to have the following documentation when submitting a claim:

  • Signed rental agreement 

  • Move-in Condition Report signed by the tenant and landlord

  • For rental arrears claims:

    • Tenant ledger showing unpaid rents

    • Notices sent to the tenant and/or SSP for unpaid balances

    • Invoices for requested funds

  • For property damage claims: 

    • Copies of all repair invoices / receipts

    • Photos of damage with descriptions