Housing

Johnson County receives new housing vouchers to assist veterans

Andy.Hyland@jocogov.org — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:13:41 +0000

Johnson County receives new housing vouchers to assist veterans Andy.Hyland@jo… Mon, 04/13/2026 - 16:13 April 13, 2026

Johnson County has received authorization from the federal government to issue new vouchers to assist homeless veterans in Johnson County with rental assistance and intensive case management.

In partnership with the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Homeless Program, the Johnson County Housing Authority has received approval to award five HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program Vouchers to members of the Johnson County community.

Like other housing vouchers provided through the Johnson County Housing Authority, the new vouchers will offer rental assistance to those who qualify. The vouchers also provide intensive case management provided by Veterans Affairs, creating a powerful model for housing stability.

An entry list maintained by Johnson County’s Continuum of Care on Homelessness shows there are currently four homeless veterans awaiting services in the county, meaning the new vouchers could potentially serve all the homeless veterans on the current list of need.

The new veterans housing vouchers are the latest effort from the county to address issues along the spectrum of those experiencing housing issues, including a previous effort that dedicated $2.38 million in federal funding toward new housing units for the community’s chronic homelessness population. Both these programs offer specific, targeted relief toward a section of the community experiencing homelessness.

The veterans housing voucher program has demonstrated long-term success, with 70% to 85% of participating households remaining stably housed after three years, which is a significantly higher rate than other homelessness interventions.

Eligible households for the new vouchers will be referred to the county through Veterans Affairs. There will not be a wait list for these vouchers, which will not be available to the general public. The county intends to use its Landlord Incentive Program to identify landlord partners to provide housing units to lease to participating veterans in the program.

Additional information on Johnson County’s housing efforts is available at the county’s Housing and Homelessness Assistance Guide.

Department:

Housing

Category:

News Releases

Fair Housing Forum for Renters

Megan.Lynch2@jocogov.org — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:35:01 +0000

Fair Housing Forum for Renters Megan.Lynch2@j… Tue, 03/03/2026 - 15:35

Did you know that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing? Attend this renter forum to learn more about your rights, discover resources, and hear from experts at Kansas Legal Services.

The forum will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St. Overland Park, KS. Dinner will be provided. Children are welcome. RSVPs are required.

RSVP for the Forum Regístrese para el Foro

The forum is presented by Johnson County Housing Services, City of Overland Park and Kansas Legal Services.

Learn more about the Fair Housing Act in this fact sheet.

April 21, 2026 - 06:00pm April 21, 2026 - 07:30pm

Community Event

Housing

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Landlord Incentive Program expanding housing access to those in need in Johnson County

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:18:32 +0000

Landlord Incentive Program expanding housing access to those in need in Johnson County tim.dodderidge… Mon, 03/02/2026 - 13:18 March 2, 2026

Johnson County Housing Authority’s Landlord Incentive Program continues to recruit new participating landlords, strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to safe, stable housing for vulnerable families across the county.

Since launching in 2023 as a grant‑funded initiative, the program has brought more than 80 new landlords into local housing programs and helped remove barriers that often prevent property owners from participating in federal rental assistance. The incentive program offers landlords a sign-on bonus and access to a damage reimbursement fund.

The incentive program currently supports landlords who lease units through the Housing Choice Voucher programs at Johnson County Housing Authority and Olathe Housing Authority, as well as Permanent Supportive Housing through Johnson County Mental Health Center and Rapid Rehousing programs operated by Metro Lutheran Ministries and Catholic Charities.

The programs support those experiencing homelessness or low-income and at risk of experiencing homelessness. By offering financial incentives and dedicated staff support, the program makes it easier for property owners to confidently participate in these essential housing initiatives.

Iron Key Realty is the latest partner to join the effort, recently providing a safe and stable home to a family using a Housing Choice Voucher through Johnson County Housing Authority.

“We’ve had an excellent experience working with Johnson County Housing Authority. Their team is consistently professional, responsive, and truly a pleasure to work with. The landlord incentive program has been outstanding. It has significantly helped remove barriers and made it much easier to encourage property owners to confidently accept voucher tenants. We are deeply committed to providing safe, high-quality housing for our community, and partnerships and programs like these play a vital role in helping us achieve that mission,” said Melissa Meyer, Supervising Broker for Iron Key Realty.

As housing needs continue across the region, Johnson County Housing Authority is actively seeking additional landlords interested in partnering to provide safe, stable homes for local families. The landlord incentive program offers landlords a reliable and rewarding way to contribute to the community.

Through ongoing collaboration and a steadily expanding network of participating landlords, Johnson County is increasing access to housing and creating life‑changing stability for families across the county.

If you're interested in the program, you can contact Jessa Molina at jessa.molina2@jocogov.org or 913-715-6618.

Department:

Housing

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Category:

News

Women’s History Month Spotlight: County Employees Shaping a Sustainable Future

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:05:11 +0000

Women’s History Month Spotlight: County Employees Shaping a Sustainable Future tim.dodderidge… Thu, 02/26/2026 - 15:05 February 26, 2026

March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the accomplishments of women throughout American history. This year's theme is "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future," recognizing the impact women have made in making our communities more sustainable amid a variety of global challenges.

During Women's History Month, Johnson County Government is celebrating women who are contributing to the sustainability of our community through environmental, economic, education and social justice efforts. Serving in the areas of stormwater management, mental health and more, these employees are helping make our county a better place for all. We celebrate them and all of the women with Johnson County Government for their dedication to public service!

Supporting Vulnerable People with Housing Needs

Heather McNeive, Housing Services

As Housing Services Director, Heather McNeive oversees efforts to address Johnson County’s housing needs for low-income and vulnerable households. This work is carried out by the Housing Services team, which delivers critical economic and housing sustainability services with dignity and respect.

McNeive helps with implementation of programs including the Housing Choice Voucher or “Section 8” rental assistance program, which serves the lowest-income and most vulnerable members of our community. Her department has made strides to expand access for households experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations through initiatives such as the Limited Homeless Preference and the Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, which supports young adults aging out of foster care.

In addition, the department’s home repair programs preserve the long-term affordability and quality of the community’s affordable housing stock. McNeive is proud of her team’s commitment to improving homeowners’ quality of life while ensuring these homes remain available to future generations.

“As a woman in public service, I strive to lead with integrity, self-reliance, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have been guided by exceptional female mentors who modeled professionalism, perseverance, and principled leadership. Their example has reinforced my commitment to advocating for low-income housing programs that are essential to the strength and stability of our community,” McNeive said.

Improving the Environment Through Stormwater Management

Heather Schmidt, Public Works

In her current role as the Program Manager for the Stormwater Management Program, Heather Schmidt works with her team on the issues of flood risk and water quality in Johnson County. Her department develops programs and provides funding assistance to municipalities to implement sustainable approaches to address flood risk and improve water quality.

Schmidt began as the water quality specialist for the program. A large part of this role entailed education residents on what they could do to make environmentally sustainable decisions in their everyday lives — specifically, activities that could impact stormwater pollution. Then, as project manager in the program, she participated in a strategic planning process that opened up the program to nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. This led to a major project to complete watershed master plans for the entire county – for which Schmidt was the project manager. She is particularly proud of this work. as it laid the groundwork for advancing environmentally sustainable programs and projects through the program in the future.

Schmidt has worked in public service her entire career, starting with the U.S. Geological Survey where she learned data collection for streamflow and water quality that helped keep the public informed of flood risk and water quality conditions in their communities. That work continues through her current position as Stormwater Management works to reduce flood risk and improve water quality for residents.

“As a woman in the public sector, particularly in a science-based field, I am encouraged by the changes in representation I’ve seen over the years,” Schmidt said. “Early in my career, I was sometimes the only or one of a few women in the room, I’m encouraged by that not being the case as much anymore, and I’m excited to work with the next generation of women passionate about public service and the environment. “

Managing Wastewater Communications Efforts

Melissa Reeves, Wastewater

Community Relations Manager Melissa Reeves' role leading communications and community engagement for Johnson County Wastewater gives her a unique opportunity to tell stories to residents that connect clean water infrastructure to the public servants who provide these important services.

Reeves coordinates outreach with local schools, which helps team members educate students on Wastewater's role in public health and inspire the next generation of water sector leaders. Additionally, she manages the internship and job shadow program, manages it web content, social media pages and customer newsletter, and creates content that educates the community and celebrates team members. Reeves also leads internal communication for more than 200 employees.

A sanitary sewer utility may not traditionally be a place where women feel empowered to grow their careers, but to Reeves, that's what makes Johnson County Wastewater special. This is an agency with women leaders throughout, which includes its General Manager and Chief Engineer. Not only does Reeves get to fulfill her calling to be a public servant, but she gets to do it in an organization that allows her to be her whole self.

“I am fortunate to serve alongside some of the most brilliant, hard-working and impactful people I have ever met. This includes not only the amazing, awe-inspiring women I serve with, but everyone in my organization who celebrates our work, champions our ascension, and encourages us to take up space," Reeves said.

Leading Change in Mental Health and Community Well-Being

Shana Burgess and Liz Worth, Mental Health

Liz Worth and Shana Burgess with Johnson County Mental Health Center bring heart and strategy to the work of making mental health care more accessible, equitable and sustainable.

Worth, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, serves as Deputy Director at the Mental Health Center, and Burgess, a Licensed Master Social Worker, serves as Director of Prevention and Community Relations. Between the two of them, their leadership centers dignity, access and long-term impact, especially for communities that have historically faced barriers to care.

With more than 23 years in community mental health, Worth brings a whole-health lens to leadership, grounded in both clinical experience and advocacy. Her leadership style is shaped by empathy, inclusion and relationship-building, paired with a strong drive to turn vision into action.

“Mental health care is strongest when it is rooted in community,” Worth said. “When we work together to reduce stigma and expand access, we build resilience that supports people across every stage of life.”

Burgess brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening individual and community health, with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention. In her role, she leads Prevention Services, Community Relations and Employee Experience teams, translating community needs into action through strategic communication and community mobilization.

"It's a privilege to support the people and partnerships that strengthen our community’s wellbeing. The work is both humbling and motivating, shaping my growth and deepening my commitment to serving those who show up each day for this shared purpose,” Burgess said.

Together, Worth and Burgess show how women’s leadership strengthens systems by centering relationships, equity and shared responsibility. Their work reflects a long-term commitment to building mental health supports that are not only effective, but trusted and accessible for all people — regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

Department:

Housing

Mental Health

Public Works

Wastewater

Category:

News

Housing Development Loan Rating Team Meeting

Megan.Lynch2@jocogov.org — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:46:37 +0000

Housing Development Loan Rating Team Meeting Megan.Lynch2@j… Thu, 01/22/2026 - 16:46

The Housing Development Loan Rating Team will discuss funding recommendations for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Housing Development Loan grant funds to be presented to the full Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee at the regularly scheduled February Meeting.

This meeting will be held via Zoom. Please use the information below to join the meeting.

Zoom Webinar Link
Zoom Webinar Phone Number: 1-312-626-6799
Zoom Webinar ID: 885 0767 8388
Zoom Webinar Passcode: 052432

If you plan to attend this meeting and need an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or other Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, please email heather.mcneive@jocogov.org or call 913-715-6601 at least two business days prior to the meeting to let us know what reasonable accommodation you need.

January 30, 2026 - 10:00am January 30, 2026 - 11:00am

Public Meetings

Housing

Three warming centers to operate in Johnson County on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 23:08:04 +0000

Three warming centers to operate in Johnson County on Martin Luther King Jr. Day tim.dodderidge… Wed, 01/14/2026 - 17:08 January 14, 2026

Johnson County will offer three warming centers as safe, warm daytime spaces on Martin Luther King Jr. Day when other public buildings are closed.

The warming centers will be open regardless of weather. Phone charging, snacks and hot drinks will be available at the facilities.

The three warming centers available on Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will include:

Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W. 75th St., in Overland Park.
Redemption Church, 515 S. Ridgeview Road, in Olathe.
Salvation Army, 420 E. Santa Fe St., in Olathe.

These additional warming centers will supplement other warming centers in Johnson County that are only open during their host building’s normal operating business hours, which typically do not include holidays.

They will be activated in partnership with Johnson County Government and United Community Services of Johnson County.

While Johnson County Library’s branches and both Olathe Public Library branches normally serve as warming centers during their operating hours, they will be closed and will not be available on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both library systems’ holiday hours are listed on their websites.

Information on other warming centers in Johnson County is available at jocogov.org/winter.

Department:

Housing

Library

Category:

News Releases

Housing Services office to be open on Wednesdays only until further notice

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:11:40 +0000

Housing Services office to be open on Wednesdays only until further notice tim.dodderidge… Tue, 01/13/2026 - 15:11 January 14, 2026

Starting the week of Feb. 9, the Johnson County Housing Services office will be open for in-person customer service on Wednesdays only, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment.

The office is located at the North Central Multi-Service Center, 12425 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite 200, Lenexa, KS 66215. This is a temporary change.

The Housing Services office will be closed to walk-in customer service Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) waitlist is closed. There are no plans to open the waitlist in 2026.

Housing Authority clients should call or email their Occupancy Specialist directly:

Courtney Collins: 913-715-6610 or courtney.collins@jocogov.org
Teresa Hinson: 913-715-6609 or teresa.hinson@jocogov.org
Shani Howard: 913-715-6608 or shani.howard2@jocogov.org
Lesia Lewis: 913-715-6619 or lesia.lewis@jocogov.org
Angela Mitchell: 913-715-6611 or angela.mitchell@jocogov.org

Home repair clients and contractors, please email homerepair@jocogov.org. Landlords, please email landlordinfo@jocogov.org.

For all other questions, please email housingservices@jocogov.org.

Department:

Housing

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Category:

Closures

HOME Investment Partnerships Program Housing Development Loan Application Presentations

Megan.Lynch2@jocogov.org — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 01:59:22 +0000

HOME Investment Partnerships Program Housing Development Loan Application Presentations Megan.Lynch2@j… Fri, 01/09/2026 - 19:59

HOME Investment Partnerships Program Housing Development Loan (HDL) applicants will present their funding requests to the HDL Rating Team. Immediately following the final presentation, the Rating Team will discuss recommendations to be presented to the full Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee at the regularly scheduled February Meeting.

This meeting will be held via Zoom. Please use the information below to join the meeting.

Zoom Webinar Link
Zoom Webinar Phone Number: 1-312-626-6799
Zoom Webinar ID: 818 6084 2952
Zoom Webinar Passcode: 994572

January 22, 2026 - 10:00am January 22, 2026 - 12:00pm

Public Meetings

Housing

Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee

hilary.rose-holland@jocogov.org — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:48:17 +0000

Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee hilary.rose-ho… Thu, 01/08/2026 - 08:48

The Housing & Community Development Advisory Committee (HCDAC) was created by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Resolution No. 115-02 and reorganized under Resolution No. 025-24. Its purpose is “to ensure that the needs of low- to moderate-income individuals and families, the elderly, disabled, minority and homeless populations are expressed and adequately reflected in Johnson County’s community development programs, housing programs and other initiatives, and to otherwise facilitate Johnson County's Housing and Community Development programs."

The HCDAC is made up of eleven Johnson County residents. The BOCC Chairman nominates four Citizen Representatives, who are subject to the approval of the BOCC. The Chairman’s nominees include one representative from each of the following: persons with disabilities; minorities; low-income households; and the homeless. In addition, the six district county commissioners and the BOCC Chairman each nominate a Commissioner Representative, subject to the approval of the BOCC.

Meeting Location: County Administration Building (111 S. Cherry St, Olathe, KS), Second Floor, Suite 2000

Meeting Time: 8:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of February and the second Wednesday of August. Please check below for any updates to specific meetings.

The HCDAC has a few subcommittees that are made up of two to five volunteer Committee Members to review and determine the funding allocations for CDBG and HOME applicants, as well as oversee the Needs Assessment Public Hearing.

The HCDAC will conduct all meetings in accordance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act and in accordance with the Citizen Participation Plan.

Persons who may need assistance or the use of a sign language or oral interpreter, or who require special accommodation, should contact 913-715-2200 at least two business days prior to the meeting.

Committee Information: member roster, term dates, and qualifications can be found on the county's Boards and Commissions page.

2026 Activity

HOME Housing Development Loan Rating Team Subcommittee Meeting: Jan. 22, 2026 at 10 a.m.

HOME Housing Development Loan Rating Team Subcommittee Meeting: Jan. 30, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Meeting Date: Feb. 4, 2026

Agenda | Draft Minutes

2025 CAPER and 2027 Needs Assessment Public Hearings Subcommittee Date: Mar. 11, 2026

This subcommittee meeting is being held in person in the Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th St Overland Park, KS. Zoom will not be available for this meeting. Find additional information.

Zoom Webinar Link: N/A in person only

2027 CDBG Rating Team Subcommittee Date: Jul. 21, 2026

This subcommittee meeting is being held in person in the Johnson County Administration Building at 111 S. Cherry St. Olathe, KS. Zoom will not be available for this meeting. Find additional information.

Zoom Webinar Link: N/A in person only

Meeting Date: Aug. 12, 2026

This meeting is being held in person in the Johnson County Administration Building at 111 S. Cherry St. Olathe, KS. If you are needing to join via zoom please use the information below to join.

Zoom Webinar Link

Zoom Webinar ID:

Zoom Webinar Passcode:

Zoom Instructions:

Agenda | Minutes

2025 Activity

Meeting Date: Feb. 5, 2025

Agenda | Minutes

Meeting Date: Aug. 13, 2025

Agenda | Minutes

Special Meeting Date: Oct. 10, 2025

Agenda | Minutes

2024 Activity

Meeting Date: Feb. 7, 2024

Agenda | Minutes

Special Meeting Date: Feb. 28, 2024

Agenda | Minutes

Special Meeting Date: March 21, 2024

Agenda | Minutes

Meeting Date: Aug. 14, 2024

Agenda | Minutes

Special Meeting Date: Dec. 4, 2024

Agenda | Minutes

Warming centers to operate in Johnson County on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:14:14 +0000

Warming centers to operate in Johnson County on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day tim.dodderidge… Tue, 12/23/2025 - 10:14 December 23, 2025

Johnson County will again offer warming centers as safe, warm daytime spaces this holiday season when other public buildings are closed.

The warming centers will be open regardless of weather. Phone charging, snacks and hot drinks will be available at the facilities.

Warming centers available include:

Dec. 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Johnson County Youth and Family Services Center, at 920 W. Spruce St., in Olathe.
Jan. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Christ Community Church, 13330 W. 62nd Terrace, in Shawnee.
Jan. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Salvation Army, 420 E. Santa Fe St., in Olathe.

They will be activated in partnership with Johnson County Government and United Community Services of Johnson County.

While Johnson County Library’s branches and both Olathe Public Library branches normally serve as warming centers during their operating hours, they will be closed and will not be available at various times during the holiday season. Both library systems’ holiday hours are listed on their websites.

Information on other warming centers in Johnson County is available at jocogov.org/winter.

Department:

Housing

Library

Category:

News Releases