Mission Statement- Uplifting People and Properties (UPP) exists to improve the lives of people and invest in the community that surrounds them

Vision- Our vision is to facilitate the rehabilitation of the people in South Kansas City, provide viable housing options, be a catalyst for economic growth and stability, and host opportunities for community engagement.

Uplifting People and Properties (UPP) is a nonprofit that was established to meet the needs of the greater Kansas City community south of 63rd Street. The organization was formed in response to the need for services and resources to meet the needs of families living in the area.

Uplifting People and Properties was initiated and founded by Pastor Brandon Price, MDIV, LMSW in 2024 because Uplift Worship Center was unable to meet all of the needs of its community. Starting a nonprofit was a way to expand on the community efforts started by the church in 2022. While the church is still involved in community service, advocacy, and outreach, UPP is taking the lead and partnering together with Uplift Worship Center and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to promote growth and restoration of the people and properties in South Kansas City.

South Kansas City was once a suburban neighborhood with stable housing and families but has become a transient community where people tend to only remain for less than 2 years. As a result of the instability, schools and other community services have lacked success.

UPP believes in the life and vitality of South Kansas City. UPP believes the model of urban development should start with investing in the people of the community while simultaneously building housing and businesses so people can live, work, and shop in South Kansas City.

South Kansas City is in desperate need of regentrification. Regentrification is the process of revitalizing and redeveloping urban areas that have experienced decline, with a focus on uplifting both the community and its infrastructure. Unlike gentrification, which often leads to the displacement of existing residents, regentrification aims to empower and improve the lives of current residents while enhancing the area. This involves investing in housing, businesses, and community services to create a more stable, thriving environment where people can live, work, and shop without having to face displacement or a loss of identity. In the context of South Kansas City, regentrification focuses on restoring the life and vitality of the neighborhood by supporting the people who live there and redeveloping the area to meet their needs.