Southwest Missouri

Over the past year, more than 40 local stakeholders across Stone County have come together to shape what is now launching as Our Stone County — a community-driven coalition focused on water access, housing, and gathering spaces. The initiative, supported by City Thread, will formally launch in September 2026.

Neighbor’s role began behind the scenes. We funded the research, community listening, and early development work led by City Thread — a six-month process that engaged residents, gathered input, and helped define the priorities now guiding the coalition.

Today, that groundwork has evolved into Our Stone County: a locally led coalition, supported by professional technical assistance, where partners are working together to address shared challenges around water, housing, and community spaces.

Our Stone County is designed to operate with a participatory mindset. Projects are shaped by local priorities and funded through a collaborative structure that allows resources to move directly toward community-identified solutions.

Neighbor’s role remains catalytic. We invest early, align partners, and fund the infrastructure that allows communities to lead their own long-term progress and carry their work forward for years to come.