Residents press Johnson County for more shelter access as commissioners pilot cooling and warming centers

Multiple residents at the Sept. 4 Johnson County commission meeting urged the board to expand services for people without housing and called for more day-shelter options.

"I was walking down this trail and a man came out of the bushes and he said, 'I'm really hungry. I need some food,'" public commenter Donald Stout said, describing a recent encounter and adding, "There's no day shelters in Johnson County. We just have a cold weather shelter that begins December 1." Pam Randolph and a man who identified himself as Brian Perkins also described concerns about people living outdoors, cold-weather risk and rising demand.

Several commissioners described pilot efforts the county has supported. Commissioner Brewer said the county’s Labor Day shift at a cooling center in Overland Park served about 15 people and thanked volunteers; she also cited the county’s January point-in-time count and HUD-regulated reporting, saying, "At that time, over 253 folks were identified on that single night experiencing homelessness." Commissioner Hanslick said the Labor Day shift marked the county's fifth pilot cooling/warming center and said the events were "completely uneventful," which he described as a desired outcome.

Speakers and commissioners called for continued partnerships with faith-based and nonprofit organizations. A public commenter, Brian Perkins, asked the board to remember the responsibilities elected officials assumed under Article 7 of the Kansas Constitution and urged commissioners to act on homelessness concerns.

No formal board action or new policy was recorded in the meeting minutes on Sept. 4; commissioners said they will continue pilots and discuss next steps in future meetings. County staff and commissioners indicated they plan further outreach, coordination with community partners and potential study-session discussion about long-term approaches.