Registration for the 25th Annual Human Service Summit is now open!
Celebrate 25 years of collaboration, learning, and impact with United Community Services.
For a quarter century, the Human Service Summit has brought together leaders from the nonprofit, human services, healthcare, education, government, business, and philanthropic sectors to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and work collectively toward healthier, more connected communities.
This year’s milestone Summit honors the relationships, innovation, and collective action that have shaped our region over the past 25 years while looking ahead to the future through the theme: 25 Years of Impact. Future of Belonging. Attendees will enjoy an inspiring keynote from the Kansas Health Foundation, a special 25th anniversary celebration, and a dynamic cross-sector panel exploring how collaboration can advance belonging, health equity, and community well-being for all.
Join us as we reflect on our shared history, celebrate our collective impact, and build momentum for the next 25 years. Register here.
Annual Point-In-Time Count Data Shows 27% Increase in Homelessness in Johnson County
Johnson County’s Continuum of Care on Homelessness is a collaboration of public and private service providers committed to quickly and effectively responding to housing crises to either prevent or end homelessness among Johnson County residents. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that Continuums of Care conduct an annual Point in Time (PIT) count of households within their geographic region experiencing homelessness on one night in the last ten days of January. The count is a snapshot on a single night that is used to monitor trends year to year and identify unmet needs among residents experiencing homelessness.
The PIT count includes people staying in shelters, transitional housing programs, or in unsheltered locations such as tents, vehicles, or other places not meant for habitation. HUD does not count households who are temporarily doubled up with friends or family.
The number of people counted during the 2026 Point-in-Time Count was 321, a 27% increase from the 253 individuals counted in January 2025. Homelessness is rarely caused by one event. The data illustrate that households experience a variety of overlapping challenges—including financial hardship, health concerns, trauma, and systemic barriers—that can make maintaining stable housing difficult. Understanding these complexities helps us respond with empathy and invest in solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
See the full fact sheet here.
Housing Affordability Shapes the Future of Johnson County
Affordable housing isn’t just a housing issue. It’s a community vitality issue.
A recent Kansas City Star article highlighted the Blue Valley School District’s exploration of workforce housing as a strategy to recruit and retain teachers. The conversation reflects a growing reality across Johnson County: affordable housing is more than a housing issue—it’s essential to supporting our workforce, strengthening schools, and ensuring the long-term vitality of our communities.
This discussion echoes findings from UCS’ Who Can Afford to Live in Johnson County? fact sheet, which shows that housing costs continue to outpace incomes for many essential workers. As rents rise and affordable housing options become increasingly limited, teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other professionals face growing challenges finding housing in the communities they serve. Housing is one of the most significant social drivers of health, directly impacting economic opportunity, educational outcomes, and community well-being.
Celebrating National Interns Day: Thank you Russ & Gabrielle!
Yesterday was National Interns Day and we are excited to celebrate two outstanding members of the UCS team—Russ and Gabrielle.
Thank you both for your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to our mission. Your willingness to learn, contribute, and support our work has made a meaningful impact, and we are grateful to have you as part of the UCS team.
Happy National Interns Day, Russ & Gabrielle! Thank you for everything you do.
