The BOCC also allocated nearly $800,000 in federal funding to five nonprofit organizations to help residents address challenges in paying rent, utility and transportation costs.

Allocations included:

• An $80,000 award to Catholic Charities for rent, utility and transportation assistance and operating and capacity-building costs.
• A $74,600 award to SafeHome for rent assistance, utility assistance, transportation assistance and operating costs.
• A $385,000 award to Metro Lutheran Ministry for rent and utility assistance.
• A $50,000 award to restart, Inc., for rent, utility and transportation assistance.
• A $201,873 award to Johnson County Aging and Human Services for rent assistance.

Funding for the awards came from the federal HOME-ARP program, which provides one-time funds authorized through the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds are required to benefit those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, domestic violence survivors or other at-risk populations. No county funds will be used for these awards.

The five subrecipient organizations can begin spending the funds immediately after agreements are put in place. HOME-ARP is a reimbursement grant, so organizations must first spend the funds and then seek reimbursement for eligible expenses. Dec. 31, 2026, is the target date for all funds to be spent.