New Markets Tax Credits Support Behavioral Health Expansion in South St. Louis: Harris House South Broadway

Harris House, a trusted nonprofit addiction treatment center in St. Louis, is expanding its reach with the support of New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing. The new 25,920-square-foot behavioral health facility on South Broadway will increase capacity—serving up to 300 individuals annually, up from 240 today—and strengthen access to recovery and mental health services for low-income residents across the region.

Located in a deeply distressed census tract where nearly 39% of residents live in poverty and the area median income is just 29% of the regional average, the Harris House South Broadway project demonstrates how NMTC financing can advance community revitalization and public health goals.

Without NMTC support, construction would likely be delayed indefinitely, postponing essential services and employment opportunities in one of St. Louis’s most challenged neighborhoods.

The planned facility will feature:

• 64 fully accessible residential beds, eliminating current accessibility barriers.

• Expanded secured parking and safety improvements for staff and clients.

• Partnerships with organizations such as Preferred Family Healthcare (Medicaid detox), Affinia Healthcare (primary care), and Places for People (psychiatric care).

This project builds on Harris House’s mission to help individuals recover from substance use disorders and rebuild their lives. Since 1961, the organization has served as a cornerstone for recovery in St. Louis—providing treatment, counseling, job readiness training, and mental health support to those who need it most.

The Harris House expansion is expected to retain 22 full-time positions and create 15 new jobs, contingent upon securing a Medicaid contract. All positions will include medical insurance, retirement benefits, and opportunities for advancement—providing lasting employment in a community where stable jobs are limited.

Beyond employment, the new facility will strengthen neighborhood stability, enhance local infrastructure, and ensure more residents can access quality behavioral health services close to home. These outcomes reflect the core mission of the New Markets Tax Credit program—to bring investment and opportunity to underserved areas through private-public collaboration.

The Harris House South Broadway expansion highlights how NMTC investments can make a measurable difference for both people and communities. By expanding treatment capacity, improving accessibility, and deepening nonprofit partnerships, this project illustrates the real-world impact of connecting mission-driven projects with NMTC financing.

“Projects like Harris House show how NMTC investments can directly improve lives,” said James Heffner at Impact Marketplace. “By helping mission-driven organizations expand their capacity, we’re supporting both stronger communities and sustainable local employment.”

Impact Marketplace connects impactful projects like Harris House with Community Development Entities (CDEs) and investors to deliver measurable community outcomes through the New Markets Tax Credit program. Learn more at ImpactMarketplace.com.