At Empower Missouri, we believe in the power of ordinary people organizing for extraordinary change. Our Housing Justice Fellowship (HJF) is designed to bring that vision to life, with a commitment that aligns deeply with Missouri’s own state motto: “The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.” For us, that means safe, affordable housing isn’t just an ideal—it’s a fundamental right. Organizing isn’t just about fixing today’s issues—it’s about reimagining the world we want and organizing to win it.
This week, we’re thrilled to introduce the 2025 Housing Justice Fellowship cohort! These passionate leaders and advocates are stepping up to challenge the status quo, develop their leadership, and fight for housing justice across rural Missouri. Before we dive into the Q&A with a past fellow, let’s take a moment to honor these individuals who are ready to turn their bold ideas into action and make housing justice a reality for all.
Q&A with Sarah Barnts, 2023-2024 HJF Graduate (Springfield, MO)
What inspired you to join the Housing Justice Fellowship?
At the time, I was volunteering with my local tenant union—doing lit drops, knocking doors, and showing up with friends. When I heard about the fellowship, an opportunity co-launched by Empower Missouri and my tenant union, I saw it as a valuable next step to do more. What really made me commit was the sense of community—I wasn’t doing this work alone. I had peers in the program who encouraged me, and we all learned and grew together.
Beyond that, the support from Empower Missouri made a huge difference. Through HJF, I had the opportunity to develop nuts-and-bolts tenant organizing skills, learning directly from more experienced leaders. I was able to step into leadership with confidence because I had the tools and mentorship to back me up.
What was the most impactful part of your fellowship experience?
Learning about direct action training was a turning point for me. How to plan strategically, assess risks, and take action in a way that builds power was incredible and deepened my understanding of what’s possible when people organize effectively.
One experience that stands out was working on an art build for a major rally. Seeing how intentional messaging, creativity, and collective action came together to energize a movement was inspiring. It wasn’t just about making signs—it was about shaping a narrative, building momentum, and demonstrating power in a way that couldn’t be ignored.
How are you using the skills you gained during the program?
The power analysis and strategic thinking I learned through my time as an HJF fellow have become essential to the way I approach organizing now. When I take on a new project, I don’t just think about what we want—I think about who has the power to make it happen, who can influence them, and how we can build pressure effectively.
This approach has helped me lead more impactful organizing efforts. It’s not just about reacting to problems—it’s about proactively shaping the conditions for change.
Final thoughts?
I’m incredibly grateful for the infrastructure and support Empower Missouri provides through the Housing Justice Fellowship. Organizing happens at the speed of trust, and this program gave me both the trust and the tools to step into leadership and organize for housing justice.
Announcing the 2025 HJF Fellows!
Columbia, MO: Lakrisha Parker, Gary Townzen, Elaine Allen, Carlos Lee and Brittany Lipham.
Springfield, MO: Seth Lee, Jami Johnson, Emily Hester, Agatha Dela Peña, Faraji Council, Doug Walker, Brinton Whalen, Madi Summers and Joe Harper.
Organizing is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This new cohort is turning vision into action, striving for a Missouri where “the welfare of the people” truly guides us. We’re honored to support them in building a future where everyone has a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home—making housing justice not just a goal but a guarantee.
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