Johnson County leaders moving forward on homeless services center

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Johnson County leaders are moving closer towards a year-round, 24/7 homeless services center in Lenexa, Kan. The Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly executed an assignment agreement with reStart Inc., the recommended operator of the proposed center.

“Today’s action reaffirms the county’s commitment to ending homelessness and supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community as they work towards stabilization, permanent housing and employment,” said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly.

“While we are grateful for this once-in-a-generation opportunity to leverage federal dollars and provide temporary supportive housing for unhoused adults, we know that our work is not done. Increasing access to attainable housing is key to ending homelessness. We appreciate our partners in other government entities, non-profit organizations, businesses and residents, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate as we address the spectrum of housing needs in our community.

The assignment agreement outlines the terms of transferring a current La Quinta hotel property, which is expected to close on or around October 31, from Johnson County to reStart. The agreement also includes a deed restriction that the property must be used as a non-congregate shelter for 10 years or it will revert to county property.

Additionally, the board action authorized the reallocation of $3.7 million worth of Countywide Support Funds. These funds were originally federal COVID-19 funds and will be used by reStart to begin renovations.

“Dozens of county staff have worked on a cross-organizational team since early January to partner with experts in the field on due diligence, legal and financial reviews, a communication and outreach campaign and so much more,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson.

“I appreciate this effort, along with several months of discussions and policy decisions by our Board, to move us even closer to the finish line for this visionary and innovative project.”

reStart has already submitted an application for a Special Use Permit in the City of Lenexa on Monday, July 22. This permit is required for a homeless services center to operate.

The project is tentatively scheduled for consideration at Lenexa’s planning commission meeting on August 26, and then again by the Lenexa City Council on September 17. County staff will return to the BOCC with an action agenda for a county/city fund. If the agenda is approved, the fund will support reStart’s operations.

The public has two upcoming opportunities to learn more about this project . The community is welcome on Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 in the Sunset Drive Office Building, and again on Thursday, August 22 at 5:30 at the Monticello Library.

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