Johnson County invests $2 million to aid homeless residents

Johnson County Allocates Over $2 Million to Combat Homelessness

Johnson County, Kansas, has taken a significant step toward addressing homelessness by allocating over $2 million in federal funds to a local nonprofit organization. The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the conditional award of $2.38 million on August 14. This funding will support the development of up to 16 housing units aimed at serving individuals experiencing homelessness.

The nonprofit receiving the funds is Metro Lutheran Ministry, an organization known for its comprehensive services, including the creation of affordable housing. The initiative specifically targets individuals who are chronically homeless—those who are disabled and have been without stable housing for 12 months or more.

“We are excited to begin work on this significant project and look forward to being able to expand the work we are already doing to help meet this need across our region, and in particular, to be able to help serve those in the most difficult circumstances,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director for Metro Lutheran Ministries.

How the Funding Will Be Used

The funds will be used to locate, purchase, and rehabilitate properties that will then be offered as rental housing units. These units will accept Housing Choice Vouchers, which can help eligible residents afford their rent. The rental costs will be based on the income of the tenants. For those earning an income, the rent and utilities will not exceed 30% of their monthly earnings. Individuals with no income will not be required to pay rent or utilities.

A waitlist and tenant selection process will be established to manage the availability of these units. Referrals will come from the coordinated entry system and a list maintained by United Community Services’ Continuum of Care. Recent data from July 18 showed 86 households waiting for housing on the local “by name” prioritization list. Of those, 12 individuals are considered chronically homeless.

This project has the potential to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the county by 18%, according to officials. County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson emphasized the growing need for affordable housing for the chronically homeless population.

“This project allows us to work with experienced community partners to help address housing needs for our most vulnerable community members in a way that delivers meaningful and long-term positive impact.”

Federal Funding and Affordability Requirements

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME-ARP funds, part of the American Rescue Plan Act. These one-time funds are intended to benefit individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, or other at-risk populations.

Properties purchased using these funds must remain affordable for 15 years, ensuring they continue to serve qualifying populations. Importantly, no county funds will be used for this project. The conditional award allows Metro Lutheran Ministries to start searching for suitable properties in the county.

Within 12 months of signing site-specific contracts, the units must be ready for occupancy. It is expected that the rental units will become available by late 2026 or early 2027.

Ongoing Efforts to Support Vulnerable Populations

This initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Johnson County. By partnering with experienced organizations like Metro Lutheran Ministry, the county aims to create sustainable solutions that address both immediate and long-term housing needs.

As the project moves forward, it will provide critical support to those who are most in need, offering them a path toward stability and independence. The collaboration between local government and community organizations highlights the importance of working together to tackle complex social issues.