Assistance programs from Multi-Service Centers in Johnson County KS.
The working poor in Johnson County can turn to Multi-Service Centers for help. The charity will try to offer one time financial help as well as outreach to residents that are in a crisis. There are also more unique programs such as medical equipment and prescription vouchers. The Centers in Johnson County KS, listed below as well as their contact information, provide practical, direct assistance when a crisis threatens housing, food access, or basic stability.
The centers serve working families, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and residents facing temporary hardship. Outreach staff focus heavily on stabilizing a crisis and helping people return to self-sufficiency, which aligns with the county’s broader anti-poverty strategy.
Eligibility is tied to need and the ability to maintain stability after the assistance ends. The centers review proof of income, proof of expenses, and past payment history. Applicants are expected to show that the crisis was temporary and that they can maintain their bills going forward, whether the income comes from employment, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security retirement, or disability benefits.
Programs for free food, nutrition or meals
The food bank as well as soup kitchen run by Multi-Service Centers provide healthy, nutritious food items. The food pantry operated through the Multi-Service Centers remains one of the most used services in Johnson County. The pantry continues to supply shelf-stable food, fresh items when available, and items tailored to the needs of seniors and children.
There are also some seasonal programs available, such as baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas for meals for those particular holidays. They can also sometimes provide money to pay for Christmas gifts. The centers organize Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution in Johnson County.
The Summer Food and Summer Meal Program was established to ensure that students, infants, and children continue to receive free nutritious meals when school is not in session. It is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered through the Kansas Department of Education. These sites provide free meals to children during school breaks.
Johnson County also partners with schools and community groups for weekend backpack meals so that children have food outside school hours. Outreach workers keep an updated list of approved feeding sites, including the backpack data, at https://www.jocogov.org. What will happen is free meals, that meet USDA Federal Nutrition guidelines, are provided to all children at approved sites, of which Outreach Services will have information on them.
There is help from the Multi-Service Centers for the elderly too, mainly through the Senior Nutrition & Wellness program. It provides congregate meals, nutrition education, and social programming. Seniors who cannot travel to a location in Johnson County may receive weekly home-delivered meals when volunteers are available. The program also coordinates with the Area Agency on Aging to host social gatherings, health education, and benefit enrollment support. There may also be health fairs held or information sessions on applying for government benefits..
Emergency financial aid from Multi-Service Centers
The Multi-Service Centers continue to operate emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and housing stabilization. A household’s rent must be reasonable compared to gross income so the home remains sustainable. When funds allow, the centers issue one-time payments for past-due rent or deposits, often paired with mediation between tenants and landlords to prevent eviction. Or they help people find other organizations in Johnson County that help pay rent.
- Staff from the Johnson County Center will meet with tenants and landlords to discuss eviction problems and hopefully find some type of solution. There are both one on one sessions and workshops held. In order to get help, the applicants total monthly rent cannot exceed a defined portion % of gross income, so in other words the home or apartment needs to be affordable over the long term.
Emergency Solutions Grant funding remains the federal source for homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing, but that too can provide money to struggling people. Johnson County uses ESG allocations for back rent, relocation expenses, and security deposits for residents who have found a safe, affordable home. ESG also supports the county’s partnerships with domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, and public housing administrators.
Utility assistance through the Multi-Service Centers is still tied to shutoff protection. Electricity, gas, and water disconnections may be prevented. The staff offer help with Kansas utility bills through ESG, community donations, and coordination with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Case managers from a Multi-Service Center continue to work closely with families to find stable and affordable apartments or a place to live. The centers maintain relationships with landlords willing to work with low-income tenants. Staff also collaborate with shelters, school districts, and social-service agencies to identify residents at immediate risk of homelessness or families doubled up with relatives.
Residents who do not qualify for direct financial assistance still receive guidance from social workers, who refer them to other Johnson County programs, state programs, or local charities that can fill the gap. This prevents residents from being turned away without options.
Medical equipment from the Multi-Service Centers, medications, and health needs
The long-running Medicine Cabinet program at the Multi-Service Center continues to be a defining feature of Johnson County’s approach. It remains one of the few county-level programs in Kansas where residents can access durable medical equipment for temporary use. Items may include walkers, shower chairs, mobility aids, and limited supplies for diabetic care. Outreach staff screen applicants for income and medical need.
The program also supplies vouchers for emergency prescription medicines when no other coverage exists. Assistance for dental emergencies, basic optical needs, and low-cost medical items continues to be offered when donations permit. For residents with chronic medical needs, case managers coordinate with Kansas Medicaid, the Johnson County Mental Health Center, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and local charity clinics.
Locations of Johnson County KS Centers
There are several locations in Johnson County, as indicated below. Appointments are needed. Any type of support will require clients to participate in case management, such as Employment Assistance, life skills training, budgeting, and more. The intent of this is to help qualified residents in securing and maintaining a livable wage. So workshops are set up that will teach employment skills and conduct, vocabulary/language, and offer participants other information to better current employment and end the cycle of poverty.
- Southwest Multi-Service Center is at 510 W Main St., Gardner, KS 66030. Call 913-715-6653
- North Central Multi-Service Center address 12425 W. 87th St., Lenexa, KS 66215.
- North East Multi-Service Center is at 6000 Lamar Ave., Mission, KS 66202. Call 913-715-6633
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