Steve has long wrestled with the harsh realities of being a renter in America. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000 and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis even earlier, Steve has been on disability for much of his life. Originally from California, his journey as a tenant began in Texas after high school, where he encountered his first...Read More

Just like James Earl Jones said in the 1989 classic Field of Dreams, “People will come.” So many of us are driven by a longing for the past and a nostalgic trip down memory lane that leads us to a place of comfort where we’re reminded of a simpler life. That “simple life” ideology often...Read More

PURPOSEAre you passionate about housing justice and want to make a real impact in Missouri? EmpowerMissouri is looking for an Affordable Housing Intern or Practicum Student to support advocacy,education, and organizing efforts to expand access to safe, affordable housing. Interns andpracticum students will gain valuable experience in community outreach, public policy, andcoalition-building. ESSENTIAL DUTIES &...Read More

Homelessness is in the news again as communities across Missouri conduct a one-day “point-in-time count,” a brief snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness throughout our state. While it is too early to know the trends for all of Missouri, it is clear from initial reports that many Missourians are still struggling with homelessness. The most effective...Read More

The Charles Ellwood Graduate Fellowship program, named for one of Empower Missouri’s founders and earliest Presidents, will offer 1-2 recent graduates a fully immersive, year-long, paid fellowship to gain valuable experience in policy research, community education and organizing, and advocacy communications.  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Research & Policy Support Conduct research on nonprofit organizations, legislative issues, and...Read More

When Congress returns in January, the U.S. Senate will face a series of votes that will determine the future of federal housing programs Missourians rely on to stay housed. In late December, Senate leaders made progress in negotiations to prevent a February shutdown. The negotiations focused on an early January vote on a “minibus” bill...Read More

Homeless prevention programs are the latest anti-poverty program under threat from the federal government. On November 13th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it would disregard the existing two year planning process (2025-2026) and require homeless prevention programs to reapply for funding for 2026. This change, announced only seven weeks before...Read More