It is undeniable that poverty is a problem in our state. According to the 2022 Poverty Report, 13% of Missourians and over 17% of Missouri children live in poverty. That’s over 770,000 individuals struggling to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, or meet their basic needs. Over 770,000 Missourians face...Read More

On Friday, the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session closed with little fanfare, a fitting end to a session where little work was accomplished. The legislation passed a grand total of 28 bills (excluding the 18 appropriation bills), a total significantly lower than last year’s previous record low of 41 bills and even lower than the shutdown-plagued...Read More

“Homelessness is a profound assault on dignity, social inclusion and the right to life. It is a prima facie violation of the right to housing and violates a number of other human rights in addition to the right to life, including non-discrimination, health, water and sanitation, security of the person and freedom from cruel, degrading...Read More

Missouri is one of only a handful of states that still regularly executes its citizens. On April 9th of this year, Missouri carried out its first execution of 2024, killing Brian Dorsey despite a clemency campaign that had unprecedented support from correctional officers and a former prison warden. Although the death penalty is still legal...Read More

Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we convene a statewide Affordable Housing Coalition every month. This coalition is made up of individuals and organizations who are working to ensure every Missourian has access to safe, affordable, stable housing. On behalf of our...Read More

Submitted by Maggie O’Donnell, Director of Policy & Advocacy at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) One in three Americans is burdened by some form of an old criminal record. Last week marked the start of Second Chance Month, during which we recognize the critical need to address the barriers that continue to face...Read More

Missouri’s aging population is expected to rise very quickly over the next decade, mirroring a historic demographic shift occurring across the United States. Currently, one in four Missourians is 60 years of age or older. This trend is projected to continue, with the number of Missourians aged 60 and above soon equaling the number of...Read More

Date: March 25, 2024To: Senator Brown, Chairman and Members, Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy CommitteeFrom: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Our support for SB 1062 Empower Missouri is the largest anti-poverty advocacy organization in the state. As part of our work, we organize a statewide Food Security Coalition. This coalition is made...Read More

Date: March 27, 2024To: Representative Brad Hudson, Chairman & Committee Members House Economic Development CommitteeFrom: Christine Woody, Food Security Policy Manager, Empower MissouriRe: Our support for HB 2438 and HB 2730 Founded in 1901, Empower Missouri advocates for the well-being of Missourians through civic leadership, education, and research. As part of our work, we organize a...Read More

It was a busy but inspiring week for Empower Missouri: our 2024 Week of Action! Throughout the week we offered three virtual training sessions (recordings coming soon!), and on Wednesday we gathered at the Capitol to meet with legislators, learn from our team and other advocates, and make our voices heard to end poverty in...Read More