Johnson County commissioners on Aug. 14 conditionally awarded $2,686,777.26 in HOME‑ARP rental housing funds to Metro Lutheran Ministries to develop up to 16 supportive rental units and delegated authority to the county director of planning, housing and community development to execute the agreements.

The vote was 7‑0 after a public comment period in which advocates and housing partners urged approval. Diane Heptis, co‑chair of the Good Faith Network’s affordable housing team, said, "This investment represents both a strategic and compassionate use of federal resources." Heather McNeve, the county’s housing services director, told commissioners Metro Lutheran Ministries is ready to begin work but emphasized timing challenges related to federal deadlines.

Why it matters: HOME‑ARP funds are a one‑time, narrowly eligible federal allocation created under the American Rescue Plan to serve people experiencing homelessness and other high‑needs groups. County staff and speakers said the award aims to move scarce federal dollars toward projects that serve people who face the highest barriers to housing.

County discussion and oversight: Commissioners and staff discussed timelines, contingency planning and the limits of the award. Commissioner Hanslick noted the money is "just the beginning" and that acquisition, community acceptance and other hurdles remain. Commissioner Ashcraft and others pressed staff to have a plan B if Metro Lutheran cannot secure property or complete renovations within required timeframes. Staff said unspent HOME‑ARP funds could be shifted into supportive services rent assistance if necessary.

Public input: Several community organizations supported the award. Rita Carr, director of community planning at United Community Services, said units would be especially important for households on the county’s "by‑name" list, noting that 42 percent of those households include at least one person with a disability and 35 percent are families with children. Good Faith Network members described the county’s competitive selection process and urged creation of a permanent housing trust fund to scale similar investments.

Funding and conditions: The motion, moved by Commissioner Allenbrand and seconded by Commissioner Myers, approved a conditional award of $2,686,777.26 and authorized reallocation and expenditure of general fund balance reserves for fiscal year 2025 not to exceed $2,686,778 to support the work. The resolution also delegated contract execution authority to the director of planning, housing and community development. Staff emphasized the award is conditional and that the county will monitor implementation and timelines.

Background: County staff said affordable housing need for the lowest‑income households in Johnson County remains large; McNeve cited an estimate of roughly 7,500 units needed for the lowest income population. Commissioners and speakers repeatedly cautioned that HOME‑ARP funds are limited in eligible uses and that housing projects require additional partners, vouchers, site selection and community engagement.

Looking ahead: Staff said they will return with implementation details and, if necessary, options to reallocate unused funds to supportive services. The county also plans additional discussion about housing coordination and ongoing funding mechanisms.