ST. LOUIS 鈥� A new fund aimed at paying overdue property taxes before families lose their homes to tax foreclosure will get an infusion of $500,000 from the city.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones on Wednesday announced the contribution, which comes from money aldermen appropriated last summer from the first round of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The , or RETAF, was launched in November and is administered by community development group Park Central Development in partnership with the St. Louis Collector of Revenue鈥檚 Office, which initiates tax foreclosures. The group initially said it was looking to raise $300,000 in private donations.

Officials with the group estimate about 50 families a year lose their homes to tax foreclosure, often for failing to pay just a couple of thousand dollars. Backers say that contributes to neighborhood vacancy and the loss of generational wealth.

To be eligible for the fund, applicants must make below the area median income 鈥� $59,000 for a one-person household 鈥� and have paid off their mortgage. The property must be an applicant鈥檚 primary residence.

Jones and St. Louis Collector Gregory F.X. Daly asked for citizens to continue their support of the fund so it can continue running past the expiration of federal funds in 2026.

鈥淎 region is really only as strong as its urban core,鈥� Daly said. 鈥淲e hope that the city鈥檚 announcement of the $500,000 donation can inspire citizens throughout the region to join us by donating to RETAF.鈥�

Posted at noon Wednesday, March 9.