Program Description Founded in 1903, Grace Hill is a full-service agency that serves over 40,000 disadvantaged persons within neighborhoods of the city of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. To enroll, one must simply fill out a registration form and be briefed on how the Time Dollar Exchange system works. Although originally developed for the disadvantaged elderly community residing in the city of St. Louis and surrounding counties, the program now includes among its members people as young as 10 years old, serving poor residents of Grace Hill's neighborhoods, irrespective of age. MORE Time Dollar Exchange is managed by neighborhood boards who meet monthly to assess needs and evaluate the program, resolve problems, and brainstorm solutions.
Members independently handle all store issues such as staffing and hours of operations.
The only thing they don't discuss is the pricing. Everything costs the same. It's based on need. Because many neighbors within the Grace Hill community have plenty of time and talent but little cash, MTDE facilitates the exchange of services without cash outlay, which allows the community's poorest residents to save their money for rent, utilities, and other cash-only essentials. Time Dollars are earned for every hour of service a member provides others free of charge, be it babysitting, sweeping a driveway, fixing a car, or baking cookies.