Johnson County 's 2020 Human Services Factsheet Highlights Areas of Need for County's Vulnerable
UCS released its annual Investments in Johnson County Human Services factsheet today. This annual information provides a snapshot of the types of services residents rely on to help meet household economic needs. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the most vulnerable residents in Johnson County during 2020, with job losses disproportionately affecting low wage occupations. While initial data shows that use of human services such as SNAP, TANF, and childcare assistance remained steady or dropped slightly in 2020, local data suggests an increase in need. For example, Johnson County requests for some forms of assistance from United Way 211 increased significantly during the pandemic. Requests for rental assistance increased by 78%, and requests for food assistance increased by 97%. Local organizations and faith communities also supported residents at a level not previously seen in the county. United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (COR) reported that they provided more than 228 tons of food and more than $109,000 of funding to local food pantries. The amount of food collected at food COR drives in 2020 was a 245% increase from 2019.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Resources and Information
- On March 15, Governor Kelly announced that Kansas will move to include phases three and four in COVID vaccine eligibility on March 22. Information on each phase can be found in the Kansas COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization
- Johnson County residents or workers in any phase of the state’s vaccination plan who would like to be vaccinated can fill out the Johnson County COVID-19 Interest Survey Johnson County COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Survey (En español) or call 913-715-2819 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
- Kansans who wish to locate a vaccine site near them are encouraged to go to kansasvaccine.gov and click on Find My Vaccine.
- Strangers Rest Baptist Church recently hosted an online community forum to address questions and concerns about COVID-19 called Real Talk, Real Answers. Featuring the Wyandotte County Health Department, scientists, physicians, historians and social workers, the forum focused on the perspectives of Black residents, Indigenous residents and people of color in our community. A recording of the forum can be found here: Strangers Rest Baptist Church Hosts: COVID-19: Real Talk, Real Answers
