Founded in 2020, Teachers Like Me (TLM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of Black teachers in Kansas City public schools. In addition to training and wellness resources, TLM provides subsidized housing for participants during the three-year program, removing barriers to affordable housing and supporting young Black educators.

LJC worked with TLM to design housing models for neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue, historically impacted by redlining. The first developments are located between the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Tracy and Virginia avenues. These designs utilize available infill lots, fostering community connections and teacher interaction without reconfiguring parcels. The current prototypes include two 2,669 SF duplexes, featuring passive and sustainable strategies, prefabricated wood structures, and strong outdoor connections. This approach ensures cost-effective, easy-to-build housing that can be replicated for future expansion.