County to Allocate $791,473 in HOME‑ARP Funds to Nonprofits for Rent, Utility and Transportation Assistance

Johnson County staff on Aug. 21 asked commissioners to approve allocating $791,473.44 in HOME‑ARP (HOME‑American Rescue Plan) supportive services funds to five nonprofit subrecipients to provide rent, utility and transportation assistance and nonprofit operating and capacity building support.

The allocation recommendation was presented by planning and housing staff during the agenda review. The proposed distribution prioritizes rent assistance; staff said they reallocated unrequested operating and capacity building funds into the rent assistance pool to exceed a $500,000 internal goal and reach nearly $600,000 available for rent relief.

How the program would work

Staff said qualifying populations for HOME‑ARP include people experiencing homelessness, people at risk of homelessness, survivors of domestic violence and other high‑risk households, including veterans. The county set a maximum of $5,000 in assistance per household; using that cap, staff estimated the allocation could help as many as 152 households. Rent assistance can cover arrears, up to three months of future rent, application fees, security deposits and first month’s rent; utility assistance can cover arrears or up to three months in the future. Transportation assistance includes public transit costs and car repair programs, and staff highlighted that three local partners proposed car repair programs that are not widely available in the community.

Process and oversight

The Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee released scoring criteria, interviewed applicants and recommended five organizations for funding on Aug. 13. Staff said the rating team prioritized need, alignment with county housing goals, prior federal fund performance and measurable outcomes.

Timing and reporting

Staff said the aim is to get funds into the community quickly; if approved, subrecipient agreements would be executed promptly and spending would begin. The presenters proposed spending down funds by 2026 where possible; they noted that HOME‑ARP has a longer federal expenditure deadline and that the county plans for expedited distribution because need is acute. Commissioners asked for a 12‑month report back from the funded agencies on spending and outcomes.

Why it matters: County staff said rental market conditions—low vacancy rates and rising rents—create high demand for short‑term rent and utility assistance. Staff reported applicants receive high call volumes ("over 100 calls a day," the presenter said) and emphasized the funds are intended to help households access and maintain housing rather than to create long‑term subsidies.

Next steps

The board will consider the allocation and resolutions at a formal business session. If approved, staff will execute subrecipient agreements and monitor expenditures and performance metrics; commissioners requested a follow‑up report in 12 months.