Our Mission
We strengthen community control of housing through cooperative development, resource redistribution, and grassroots infrastructure support.
What's KASH?
The Kansas Association for Social Housing (KASH) is a nonprofit organization based in Lawrence, Kansas. We support sustainable, community-oriented housing initiatives by providing educational tools, cooperative development support, and direct assistance to residents facing housing instability.Our focus is on collaborative, inclusive housing models that prioritize long-term affordability and resident participation. We believe housing should be responsive to the people who live in it, and we work to build systems that reflect that principle.
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Our Work
We support cooperative, community-based housing in Lawrence, Kansas through:
The KASH Housing Fund
The Housing Fund provides emergency and transitional aid to people at risk of eviction or displacement. In Spring 2025, we disbursed $5,100 to 17 residents in urgent need. Applications are reviewed by a trained volunteer panel using a standardized rubric to ensure fairness and transparency.
The fund is supported by local donations and community grants.
Applications open on a rolling basis when the fund hits $3,000 in reserves. Submissions are reviewed the final Wednesday of each month with payments disbursed by that Friday.
Cooperative Housing Development
We help new housing co-ops get off the ground by offering guidance on nonprofit formation, decision-making structures, and legal compliance. Whether you’re just starting or trying to stabilize an existing project, KASH can assist at no cost.Our goal is to lower the barriers for groups who want to live and govern together.
Current Partner
Ad Astra Housing Cooperative
A resident-led cooperative in Lawrence, Kansas, Ad Astra manages a shared housing budget approved by its members. KASH provides financial administration and reporting services to support their cooperative operations in line with nonprofit standards.
Check out their website to learn more!
Public Education and Tools
We publish guides, host workshops, and build partnerships to share practical knowledge about cooperative governance, nonprofit budgeting, and community housing.
Our resources are free and designed to support everyday people building long-term housing solutions.
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Get Involved
Volunteer Your Time
Help with events, resource development, outreach, or co-op support. Whether short-term or long-term, your time matters.Join the Housing Fund Team
Support with application logistics, outreach, or grant coordination — hands-on work with real local impact.Share Your Skills
Whether it's legal review, translation, graphic design, or budgeting, your knowledge strengthens this work.Start a Project
Interested in a co-op or community-based housing idea? Let’s talk. We’ll help connect you to resources, frameworks, and aligned groups.
Join Our List
The Kansas Association for Social Housing supports community-based housing through resource development, financial infrastructure, and cooperative support.Use the form below to let us know how you'd like to be involved, whether you're interested in volunteering, offering specific skills, learning more about cooperative housing, or helping sustain programs like the Housing Fund.We'll only follow up based on the areas you select.
Home
Join Our List
The Kansas Association for Social Housing supports community-based housing through resource development, financial infrastructure, and cooperative support.Use the form below to let us know how you'd like to be involved, whether you're interested in volunteering, offering specific skills, learning more about cooperative housing, or helping sustain programs like the Housing Fund.We'll only follow up based on the areas you select.
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Board of Directors
President Bradley Mathewson
Secretary Kincaid Dennett
Treasurer Gabrielle SpragueDirectors:Arlowe Clementine
Mariel Ferreiro
Mazzy Martinez
Suz Morado