According to the most recent data, homelessness in Johnson County is up about 27%. Johnson County has no permanent year-round low-barrier shelter for single adults. A planned conversion of the Lenexa La Quinta hotel (using COVID-relief funds) was blocked by the Lenexa City Council in 2024; the county later terminated the related contracts. The only dedicated adult option is the seasonal Project 1020, whose focus is the cold weather season, roughly December–March. Capacity at Project 1020 was expanded to 50, but is frequently full. County leaders have redirected some funds to other affordable housing and are exploring new sites, but the gap persists amid rising rents and population growth.
A timeline for additional resources to provide for unhoused individuals is still unknown. With data showing a steady increase in the population of unhoused individuals, many concerned citizens are left wondering what the future may hold for people that are in the unfortunate position.
Marie Scott, a life-long resident of Lenexa, gave her input. “I’m very worried about it,” she said. “We can’t leave people in the street with nowhere to go and just let them die in the sun or in the snow. I think we do need at least one full-time location that is easily accessible.”