Johnson County Board of Commissioners allocates $2.38 million in federal funds for rental units serving county’s homeless population
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted Thursday to approve a conditional award of $2.38 million in federal funds to an area nonprofit that will provide up to 16 housing units to serve the county’s most vulnerable homeless population.
The nonprofit, Metro Lutheran Ministry, has served the Kansas City metro region for more than 50 years. It has a history of providing a variety of services, including developing supportive housing units, for the area’s homeless population.
The plan to allocate funding includes a preference for serving individuals who are chronically homeless, meaning populations who are disabled and have been homeless for 12 months or longer.
“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.
Funds would be used to locate, purchase, rehabilitate and then offer housing units for rent. Housing Choice Vouchers would be accepted for these units. Rents charged would be adjusted based on the income of those selected for the housing. Tenants earning an income would be charged no more than 30% of their income for rent and utilities. A tenant earning no income would not pay rent or utilities. Additionally, Metro Lutheran Ministries also plans to provide case management and refer tenants to community-based resources for support services.
A waitlist and tenant selection plan for these rental units would be established. One source for referrals would be the coordinated entry system and a list run by United Community Services’ Continuum of Care.
Recent data taken as of July 18 showed 86 households waiting for housing on the local “by name” prioritization list compiled by the Continuum of Care. Of those, 12 of those households are chronically homeless. Taken together, the project could reduce unsheltered homelessness in the county by 18 percent, while potentially serving a significant portion of those experiencing the greatest needs.
“There is a critical and growing need for rental units to serve the chronically homeless population in Johnson County,” said Penny Postoak Ferguson, County Manager. “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.”
Funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME-ARP funds, which are one-time funds authorized through the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds are required to benefit those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, domestic violence survivors or other at-risk populations. Properties purchased with these funds are required to observe a 15-year affordability period in which they remain rental units for HOME-ARP qualifying populations.
No county funds would be used in support of the project. The conditional award approved on Aug. 14 allows Metro Lutheran Ministries to begin a real estate search in the county for appropriate properties. Within 12 months of site-specific contract executions, units must be prepared and ready for occupancy. All proposed properties will be subject to approvals by the county and National Environmental Policy Act review, along with review by local jurisdictions for permitting. Rental units are anticipated to be ready for occupancy by late 2026 or early 2027.
