Congratulations to STL Metro Housing Collective, recipient of the 2025 Collaboration & Coalition Building Award!
The Collaboration & Coalition Building Award recognizes a person who:
Demonstrates incredible commitment to working through partnerships, even when it’s more challenging than “going it alone.”
Forges new connections that bridge gaps between people, organizations, and places that don’t normally interact with each other in the St. Louis region.
Shows up for others and participates directly in their work; does not only ask or expect that partners and collaborators come to them.
Approaches difficulty and conflict with understanding, compassion, and an open mind.
The St. Louis Metro Housing Collective was born from a simple but powerful belief:
We can end homelessness—and the only way to do it is together, with housing.
What began as twice-yearly landlord engagement events has grown into a dynamic coalition working across local sectors to connect people to stable housing and second chances. The collective builds strong partnerships between service providers, landlords, and community stakeholders—all working toward a shared vision of housing for all.
The collective tackles tough challenges head-on—from addressing landlord concerns about the voucher process, asset protection, and helping landlords to feel confident renting to agency supported individuals. They work to debunk voucher holder myths, share resources, and encourage collaboration rather than competition. With a holistic approach they are able to offer the client/tenant assistance with mental health support, credit-building, conflict resolution, and workforce development. The group opens the lines of communication between landlords and agencies that serve clients, while also building relationships among community partners.
Even though it's not easy, the Collective proves that coordination makes things easier. While they are still dividing and conquering, before their work was more siloed. Their success is now fueled by authentic relationships, shared learning, and a commitment to breaking down those silos. They meet quarterly for social events and more opportunities for personal connections.
Founding members like Christina, who brings 20 years of experience in low-income housing and a gift for mentorship, and Jonathan, who has spent 15 years at St. Patrick’s and cherishes life with his two young children, model the Collective’s balance of professionalism and humanity. Together, they are showing the region what’s possible when we build community—with intention, compassion, and collaboration at the core. It takes a collective to make St. Louis the place to live.
