Register for the UCS Virtual Human Service Summit
Join UCS for the 2020 Human Service Summit – Build Our Housing Future. Be a part of the community conversation on housing, get an early look at housing data and survey insights from the Housing Study, and learn how you can participate in the Housing Task Force. This year, UCS is offering a special rate for residents not affiliated with an organization to participate. Agencies who would like to encourage clients to participate, contact UCS regarding participation scholarships.
When
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Click here to sign up for virtual attendance.
This year’s Summit will focus on the 2020 Johnson County Municipalities Community Housing Study/Task Force that is currently underway. The cities, county and UCS recently launched a community wide housing study, the findings of which will be used for a 10-year outlook on housing that local officials can use to make policy decisions in the future.
The Summit includes a multi-sector panel moderated by Steve Kraske of KCUR. To-date panelists include:
- Mayor Eric Mikkelson, City of Prairie Village
- Qiana Thomason, President/CEO, Health Forward Foundation
- Dennis Strait, AIA, ASLA, NCARB, LEED AP - Principal at Gould Evans
- Maria Zuluaga, The Zuluaga Real Estate Group
- Will Ruder, Executive Vice President, Homebuilders Association of Greater Kansas City
This is a unique opportunity to come together with representatives from various community sectors who care deeply about Johnson County and take part in a Housing Study listening session. Our community’s economic vitality and sustainability is only as healthy as those who live and work here. Special thanks to our Summit supporters including MARC, Johnson County Community College Foundation, REACH Healthcare Foundation, and United Way of Greater Kansas City.
Due to COVID-19 safety measures, this year’s Summit will be held virtually via Zoom for all attendees. (Note: If you have already registered for the in-person option, your registration has been moved to the virtual option. No other action is needed).
Unemployment and Housing Insecurity in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted early local, state, and federal response aimed at protecting the economic well-being of families. Several of those policy measures, including a $600 weekly unemployment benefit and a moratorium on evictions, have expired. Nonetheless, unemployment remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and thousands of individuals in Johnson County may be at risk of losing their homes in the coming months. Recent data from the Census indicates that people across the state of Kansas are using unemployment benefits and economic stimulus payments to cover their spending needs. Without policy protections that have helped unemployed workers maintain housing and other basic needs, Johnson County may face an unprecedented housing insecurity crisis in the coming months. For more information, check out our latest fact sheet.
Complete Your Housing Survey Today – Share the Links on Your Social Networking Platform
We want to hear your voice as we plan for the future! The cities, county, and United Community Services of Johnson County (UCS) are seeking community input on the County’s housing market in a housing survey. The survey is part of a county wide housing study currently underway and provides an opportunity for people who know the communities in Johnson County best to share their insights.
More than 4,200 surveys have been completed to-date. Early data shows we need to hear from more of our area renters, communities of color, and our young adults just coming into the housing market. Your voice is vital, please complete the survey today and share the link on your social media platforms.
Please take a 15-minute survey to help us understand the housing needs in our community. The survey will be closing soon, so don’t wait to participate!
Click on one of the links to take the survey online (survey is available in English and Spanish):