We are a multigenerational and multiracial tenant union in Manhattan, KS organizing for safe, accessible, secure, and truly affordable housing. 

Theory of Change 

We are renter-led. The people closest to the problems are closest to the solutions, and should be leading change. We organize. Organizing to us means bringing people together to build relationships and community around shared interests and working to create conditions for systemic change. Organizing is fundamentally democratic. It relies on developing grassroots leaders to learn their rights, tell their stories, and determine their own liberation.

Our platform

We are developing a housing platform for Manhattan, KS that ensures safe and truly affordable housing for all and includes a Tenant Bill of Rights. Previous campaigns have included mandatory rental inspections, denying developers permits and tax breaks for luxury apartments.

Research

Our work is informed by the lived experiences of renters in Manhattan and years of research on housing affordability, wages, and the perspectives of Manhattan residents who widely and deeply feel that rental housing affordability and safety is, and has been, grossly inadequate in Manhattan, KS. Over half of all renters cannot afford to pay rent at 30% of their income. Not being able to afford rent has just become “normal”. Representative samples of Manhattan residents consistently report that the quality of rental housing is their top concern, behind only the cost of housing. We continue to let developers, elected officials, and persons in positions of privilege decide how to address these problems, but they have failed consistently.