In late 2025, we set out to better understand the housing advocacy landscape across the greater Kansas City region. We wanted to see what organizations were already working on, where efforts overlapped, and where there were opportunities to work together.
We partnered with the Regional Housing Partnership and Visible Network Labs to learn what housing organizations across greater Kansas City are actually doing, and more importantly, where we’re working in silos when we could be working together.
We gathered this information through surveys and a series of workshops. Three workshops were held: one focused on Missouri, one on Kansas, and a general session for organizations whose advocacy work crosses state lines or those unable to attend an earlier session. Combining the workshops with survey data gave important insights into the current state of the network, areas for growth, and potential capacity for change.
What we found:
- Housing advocates are stretched thin. Many organizations are working with small teams and limited capacity, often focused on issues at the local level.
- Advocacy is often reactive. Organizations frequently respond to immediate policy changes or challenges rather than having the time and resources to plan ahead.
- There is a need for clear collaboration hubs. Organizations want stronger connections and clearer places to turn when they need information, resources, or partners.
- Client stories could be streamlined and elevated. There is an opportunity to hone, elevate, and intentionally share client stories with relevant data incorporated.
What this means:
The findings point to a clear need for stronger regional coordination. Housing organizations need better ways to connect, share stories and resources, and educate the broader community about housing issues.
We’re committed to continuing to bring organizations together and strengthen Kansas City’s housing advocacy network. When organizations have stronger connections, our entire region is better positioned to create lasting change. The full report includes more detail on these findings, as well as insights organizations can use to strengthen their own advocacy efforts.
The final report can be found here: KC Region Advocacy Mapping Report