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Johnson County Human Services Department

Johnson County Human Services Department. Providing essential human services as a safety net, targeting older adults, people with a disability, and low-income families, in order to support independence, dignity and self-sufficiency. . New Name and Logo.

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Johnson County Human Services Department

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  1. Johnson County Human Services Department Providing essential human services as a safety net, targeting older adults, people with a disability, and low-income families, in order to support independence, dignity and self-sufficiency.

  2. New Name and Logo

  3. Programs are designed to assist vulnerable populations to remain living in their own homes. • Work in close partnership with the Federal Government, State Government, Local Non-Profits, Providing Services Since 1972

  4. Accessibility • Area Agency on Aging • Housing Services • Information • Outreach Five Major Service Areas

  5. Deaf Services: sign language interpreters, interpreter referral program • Services for People with Physical Disabilities (Case management, in-home services, support groups) • Technology Services: signaling equipment, Telecommunications Access Program • Education and Advocacy Accessibility Program

  6. Assessment and Geriatric Case Management • In-home Services • Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels, CHAMPSS, Neighborhood Sites) • Catch-A-Ride • Client Assessment and Referral (CARE) • Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) Area Agency on Aging

  7. Housing Authority (HUD Designation) • Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as “Section 8” Housing) • Family Self-Sufficiency Program Housing Services

  8. HOME Program (focus on sustaining neighborhoods) • Assists low-to moderate-income homeowners with home rehabilitation, bringing into full compliance with local housing codes Housing Services

  9. Minor Home Rehabilitation Program • Funded by Community Developmental Block Grant (CDBG) funds • In collaboration with local cities • Provides repairs to homes that remove threats to health and safety of residents. • Home modifications also included for people with physical disabilities. Housing Services

  10. Weatherization Program • Very low-income renters and homeowners may receive help to weatherize their homes • Replace inefficient furnaces and appliances • New Federal ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) Funds received for next 3 years Housing Services

  11. First Time Homebuyers Program • Limited Funding • First time buyers can receive down- payment assistance • Live or work in Johnson County for at least 2 years • Must remain in the home for 5 years (or re-pay down-payment) Housing Services

  12. The Best Times • Senior Quest • Johnson County Senior Directory • Johnson County Information Hotline: (913) 715-8999 Information

  13. Johnson County Multi-Service Centers • Blue Valley • DeSoto • Gardner • Lenexa • Spring Hill • Roeland Park Community Center Outreach Services

  14. Emergency Services Include: • Food • Clothing • Rent • Medications • Transportation • Utility Assistance • School Supplies • Case Management • Self-Sufficiency Programming • Information and Referral Outreach Services

  15. Area Agency on Aging: • State Cuts to Senior Care Act Funds (would have created a waiting list for in-home services for frail elderly) • Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted to “back fill” this cut with an additional $108,000 • Will avoid a waiting list for the time being • Likely to see an increase in people becoming eligible for Medicaid services. Impact of Current Economic Climate on Services: Aging

  16. More People Seeking Rental Assistance (HCV Waiting list already over 700, with hundreds more turned away) • More people meeting income eligibility guidelines for low-income status • ARRA funding providing assistance to more people for weatherization services. Impact of Current Economic Climate on Services: Housing

  17. Year to date 2009 our Multi-Service Centers report: • A 25-40% increase in first-time clients • Examples include new middle-class clients who were donors last year and • Two-income middle-class households with large mortgages and large car payments quickly in trouble – no savings to prevent arrears on mortgages, utilities and other debts after a layoff, births of children, health issues or major car repairs Increase in 1st time clients

  18. In 2009 Our Multi-Service Centers report a 25-35% increase over 2008 in requests for: • mortgage assistance with pending foreclosure • rent assistance with eviction notice • utility assistance with disconnect notice • critical prescriptions and urgent medical needs Increase in requests for emergency assistance

  19. Most city matched funds for utility assistance were depleted by 3rd quarter Many cities unable to provide additional utility assistance for 4th quarter 2009 Kansas City Cares fund depleted Funds depleted by 3rd Quarter 2009

  20. Important Note: Our ability to meet the demands in the community is limited by the amount of Human Resources and Financial Resources we have available • MSCs-One person shops • Housing Choice Vouchers: Limited to roughly 1500 Limited Resources

  21. The growth in Johnson County, coupled with the difficult economic environment continues to challenge the Human Service System (including faith-based and non-profits) Conclusion

  22. Deborah Collins, Director • Johnson County Human Services • (913) 715-8801 • Deborah.collins@jocogov.org Questions?

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