Northeast Kansas Coalition Seeks Solutions at Washburn University

TOPEKA, Kan. — A coalition of Northeast Kansas residents convened at Washburn University’s Lee Arena on April 30 to address pressing community concerns, including affordable housing, food insecurity, and violence reduction. Topeka JUMP, the organization behind the annual Nehemiah action assembly, aims to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in Topeka and Shawnee County.

“We are coming together representing the marginalized groups across Topeka and Shawnee County,” said Melodene Byrd, co-chair of Topeka JUMP. The primary focus of this year’s assembly was urging city leaders to approve funding for housing initiatives.

Byrd emphasized the need for safe and affordable housing options, stating, We want a safe place, an affordable, that people can survive without having to pick and choose where to put the money at. JUMP is advocating for specific language within the upcoming sales tax proposal to earmark funds for both affordable housing and homelessness services.

We want specific language to say this sales tax will go so much towards affordable housing and so much towards homelessness.

Melodene Byrd, co-chair, Topeka JUMP

Attendees at the assembly echoed JUMP’s call for systemic change. Raymond Berry, founder of Gethsemane Worship Center, expressed a desire to get some things changed, trying to get some systemic changes here in the city of Topeka. He connected the effort to a broader moral imperative, stating, It’s just fulfilling the scriptures, that we’re concerned about those that are less fortunate than ourselves.

Berry highlighted the power of collective action, noting, Many people gathered together… It draws attention of the city officials and lets them know there are people concerned about the things that are going on in our city. The proposed sales tax is slated to be on the ballot later this year.

Topeka JUMP’s efforts reflect a growing movement to address social and economic inequalities within the region. The organization’s Nehemiah action assembly serves as a platform for community members to collectively advocate for policy changes and resource allocation that benefit those most in need.