Friends of JCDS breaks ground on housing project for Johnson County residents with IDD

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas, including Olathe and Lenexa. Share your story idea with Olivia.

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Friends of Johnson County Developmental Services is breaking ground Tuesday on the Floyd Street Apartments. The inclusive housing project will provide affordable, accessible housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Johnson County, Kansas.

Johnson County Board Chairman Mike Kelly said the county has a responsibility to lead on housing.

"If we're going to solve the housing crisis, it's going to take all entities working together, and the county has to be a leader," Kelly said. "We've been told by the people of Johnson County that they want us to lead in this area."

Ron Mabel, a future tenant of the Floyd Street Apartments, toured a newly renovated unit and said he is eager to move in.

"Anything. I like it," Mabel said when asked what he thought of the space.

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This project is funded through a combination of $3.1 million in COVID funds from the failed Lenexa homeless shelter and $2.5 million in county money, plus other grant funding and donations.

Friends of JCDS has been building housing for adults with IDD since the 1990s. CEO Janel Bowers said the need has grown beyond traditional group homes.

"That was all that was needed for group homes for people with IDD that JCDS serves," Bowers said. "But that leaves an entire audience of people that are in independent living programs that are being priced out of the market."

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Bowers said price and availability make it difficult for many people to find housing in Johnson County, and for those with IDD, the challenges of transportation, support services and accessibility add additional barriers.

The Floyd Street Apartments are designed to address those needs. The project is located near public transportation, Friends of JCDS will provide on-site support services, and units will be affordable for residents earning under 30% of the area median income.

"We make sure it's quality products," Bowers said. “And help people become independent and economically independent to live in our community.”

Bowers said the broader goal of this housing is to see those with IDD live independently.

"I think the best thing you see is someone kind of living their life, and that's really what supportive housing does. It gives people an opportunity to be just like you and be a part of the neighborhood the same as you," Bowers said.

When asked what he is looking forward to, Mabel said, "Everything."

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Specifically, he’s looking forward to becoming part of the community.

"I'll be honored and appreciative to meet a lot of friends," Mabel said.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Mabel will be among the speakers.

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