Keyway Set to Partner with Missouri Women in Trades as Final Phases of Transitional Housing Renovations Begin

June 14, 2024

Phase Three of the four-phase housing renovation plan will begin June 22 with improvements being made to Baker House, one of three residential housing options at Keyway

ST. LOUIS Keyway announced today its continued partnership with Missouri Women in Trades, a local nonprofit focused solely on serving, recruiting and promoting women working in the union building trades, as its final two phases of a four-phase on-campus transitional housing renovation begins later this month.

Phase Three will continue to focus primarily on Baker House, one of three residential housing options available to Keyway participants. Improvements include, but are not limited to, updated plumbing and electric, drywall repair and demolition, updated cabinetry, and new paint and flooring. Previous improvements made in Phase One and Phase Two include the above-mentioned updates and repairs throughout other areas of need within Baker House.

A four-year endeavor, Keyway aims to complete all renovations to Baker House by the summer of 2025.

"Missouri Women in Trades is so proud and honored to partner with Keyway once again to remodel inside the Baker House. This opportunity gives tradeswomen a great chance to lead and learn new skills, and shows the constituents of Keyway that women can do this work and earn a great living at the same time! It's a major win all around, and it's a blast," said Beth Barton, Missouri Women in Trades Co-Founder and Board Member.

“Our partnership with Missouri Women in Trades has been nothing short of game-changing when it comes to this four-phase project,” shared Keyway Organizational Development Specialist Maggie Burke. “Not only do our residents get to benefit from these updates, but they also have an opportunity to be exposed to the trades first-hand in a welcoming, women-led environment. Imagine how empowering that is for someone who may not even realize a career in the trades is possible.”

Community members interested in volunteering with Phase Three June 22-23 and/or June 29-30, that are 16 years of age and older, are encouraged to sign up by June 20 for the first weekend and June 27 for the second here

About Missouri Women in Trades

The mission of Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) is to expand opportunities for women to enter and succeed in apprenticeship and careers in the construction and building trades of the greater St. Louis area. MOWIT works with employers, unions, educational organizations, and other entities and allies to increase women's equal employment opportunity and equitable working conditions. MOWIT is committed to building a diverse workforce, strong labor movement, safe and healthy worksites, and women's empowerment and economic security.