Although much was lost when Erin Peterson of St. Louis was shot and killed last April in the Virginia Tech massacre, a small, historically Black village will gain a lot when Habitat for Humanity breaks ground to build a small group of modest houses in her name. Erin had deep roots in the St. Louis community where her father grew up and her grandfather still lives. Her desire to help others and her dedication to always 'give back' are perfect reflections of the Habitat for Humanity philosophy, making this gesture both appropriate and inspirational.

The low-income houses that will be named for Erin, will be built on five acres that Loudoun County's Habitat for Humanity purchased this year to establish a second five-acre subdivision in St. Louis, a Hunt Country village near Middleburg.

The first five-acre subdivision Habit for Humanity in St. Louis is named for Mary Jane Jackson, the citizen who spurred the organization to build the houses. Now under construction, the Mary Jo Jackson Development is already home for three families who could not afford homes without special consideration, but who agreed to help plan and construct the houses in return for loans way below market rates.

The Erin Peterson Fund, established by her mother, Celeste Peterson, offers scholarships and donations to support young minority men.