In 2024, 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States—an 18% increase from 2023. This is almost 1 million people without homes. And while policymakers from every level of government—federal to local—are working on solutions, we continue to underfund the one solution that would end the homeless epidemic: more housing. The reasons behind this...Read More

Date: February 5, 2025 To: Rep. David Casteel, Chair, and members of the Commerce Committee From: Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, Chief of Policy Staff, Empower Missouri Re: Our opposition to HB 758 and 958 Empower Missouri has spent more than 120 years fighting poverty in Missouri. Today, we come to present testimony on bills which specifically targets...Read More

Date: February 5, 2025 To: Chairman Myers and Members, House Crime and Public Safety Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri Re: HB 862 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty advocacy organization in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since our inception,...Read More

Date: February 5, 2025 To: Chairman Myers and Members, House Crime and Public Safety Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri Re: HB 314 & HB 389 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty advocacy organization in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy....Read More

A fresh start after being released from prison and becoming a returning citizen should be an amazing feeling; however, that isn’t the case for many of Missouri’s formerly incarcerated individuals. The reality is that most formerly incarcerated individuals face a major barrier in finding housing and stability. This is an even more challenging experience due...Read More

Date: January 27, 2025 To: Chairman Schroer and Members, Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri Re: SB 19 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty advocacy agency in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since our...Read More

Date: January 27, 2025 To: Chairman Fitzwater and Members, Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee From: Mallory Rusch, Executive Director, Empower Missouri Re: SB 72 As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since our inception,...Read More

Extensive research has linked participation in school meals to improved outcomes such as increased cognitive function, academic achievement, standardized test scores, and attendance rates. When our children have full plates, they can reach their full potential thus facilitating the growth and prosperity of Missouri as a whole. Use the form below to email your legislators...Read More