DAY OF ACTION: Tenant Leaders Take Fight for Housing Justice to the Capitol

Missouri tenant leaders gather in the State Capitol for Empower Missouri's Day of Action event. Photo from https://empowermissouri.org/day-of-action/.

On February 17th, the hallways of the Missouri Capitol weren't just filled with lobbyists; they were filled with the voices of tenant leaders. Arriving together in a powerful show of unity, members of Springfield Tenants Unite (STUN) and the Columbia Tenants Union (CTU) gathered for a Day of Action to demand safe, truly affordable housing for all. 

Hosted by Empower Missouri, the day began with a powerful presentation that led into a strategy session, equipping these everyday advocates with the tools to turn their lived experience into legislative power. But the real work happened upstairs. With focused determination, tenant leaders like Riley Guy and Jack Dobbs (CTU), Vee Sanchez (Empower Missouri), and Jay Byrd (STUN) stepped out of the gallery and into the offices of their elected officials.

These meetings were more than polite meet-and-greets – they were powerful, constituent-led conversations. Tenants shared their stark realities of the housing crisis and, more importantly, the groundbreaking solutions their communities are already building. Organized into skilled teams of storytellers, questioners, and note-takers, every meeting was a masterclass in grassroots advocacy, proving that those most impacted by a crisis are essential to solving it.

Gathering for a final debrief, the group analyzed their progress, celebrated their wins, and locked in their next steps. Spirits were high as they broke into chants, a powerful reminder of their mission. They then left the Capitol with a clear, resounding message for Jefferson City: Everyone deserves a home. Legislators must listen to the people, not just powerful interests, and create policies that protect everyday Missourians. This was just the first visit. The tenant movement is organized, it is growing, and it is just getting started.


If you are interested in being involved in powerful public displays of action, please email connect@sgftenantsunite.org or Rex Ybañez, Board President of STUN, at rex@sgftenantsunite.org.