Community Assistance

Johnson County K-State Research and Extension is again partnering with the KC CASH Coalition to house a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in the Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, in Olathe. VITA sites provide safe, accessible locations for taxpayers to get assistance in preparing their state and federal income tax returns. There is no charge to have returns completed and e-filed. For further information, contact Valeria Edwards at the Johnson County Extension office at (913) 715-7000.

Provides free financial crisis services, including debt management, budgeting, consumer financing education and intelligent use of credit. For more information contact Apprisen at (816) 753-0535.

Please click here for information on rebates.

Grants
Downtown Partnership Grant Program
Downtown commercial property owners undertaking exterior improvements may be eligible for a grant for $2,000-$5,000. A grant will be awarded as reimbursement for actual costs for architectural services and/or construction costs or material for exterior remodeling or new construction. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: facade restoration, window/door repair or replacement, masonry, awnings, signage, exterior lighting, painting, and landscaping. New construction is also eligible.

Loans
Downtown Partnership Improvement Loan Program
Downtown residential and commercial property owners may receive loans for between $5,000 and $50,000 through a local participating bank for the renovation and updating of facades and other building improvements. The Downtown Improvement Loan interest rate will be 1.5% below the rate normally offered by the lending institution. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: facade restoration, window/door repair or replacement, masonry, awnings, signage, exterior lighting, painting, building additions, new roof and landscaping.

Johnson County Human Services offers utility, rent and food assistance to income eligible households. Contact (913) 715-6653 or visit Johnson County Human Services for further assistance.
Johnson County Housing Services offers three programs for income-eligible homeowners, call (913) 715-6600 for more information about the programs.
HOME Program provides a combination loans/grant for major home repair.
Minor Home Repair Program offers minor home repair services to homeowners and accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities.
Weatherization Program offers weatherization improvements for homeowners.

Provides free counseling to people facing foreclosure. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

For anyone who may not currently have prescription health care benefits or someone who has insurance but the drug they need is not covered/formulary. This free statewide program allows people to still get the medicine they need but at a reduced cost (average savings is 35% off). Visit Kansas Drug Card to create and print your free card.

Rebuilding Together Shawnee is dedicated to helping elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged homeowners in need. From housing maintenance to repairs and rehabilitation projects, the organization aims to help Shawnee homeowners live safely and independently. Rebuilding Together Shawnee is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, the nation's largest nonprofit low-income home repair organization comprised of 225 affiliates nationwide working to preserve homeownership and neighborhoods by providing rehabilitation services free of charge to those in need. Visit their website or contact the Shawnee office at (913) 248-2802.

Shawnee Community Services reaches out to individuals in need of help. Their services range from a food pantry, Heartland Share (a national volunteer/food co-op program), cash assistance for utilities and prescriptions, community services for schools and corrections and serving as a body of knowledge for those needing an advocate. For more information about food needs, call (913) 268-7746.

Every second Saturday of the month the Johnson County Church of Christ located at 7300 Nieman Road works with Harvesters to provide free food to those in need starting at 10:00 a.m.

This program is an income-based program to help eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

Bus
Several bus lines serve the City and are operated by RideKC, the region's public transportation authority.

Special Needs Options
Older adults and persons with disabilities have several options. CityRide is Shawnee's taxi program for residents who are 65 or older or have a disability.
RideKC Freedom is a shared ride program offering curb-to-curb transportation for registered residents of Johnson County. It is operated by RideKC.

The City is proud to share that we now have a volunteer program called Neighbors Helping Neighbors. The goal of this program is to match homeowners in Shawnee who need help maintaining their home with volunteers who are willing to lend a helpful hand. We’d love to hear from anyone needing help and also from people who would like to volunteer to help those in need.

With support from the City's Community Development Block Grant program, low to moderate income residents may be eligible to receive basic emergency safety net assistance through The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Each organization offers programs to help pay for rent, utility, food and other basic needs. Please contact their organizations directly for more information.

Salvation Army (913) 782-3640
Catholic Charities of NE Kansas (913) 384-6608

Mercy and Truth Medical Missions located here in Shawnee (11644 W 75th St., Suite 103) offers financial assistance for first and second-time visits for uninsured Shawnee residents. Mercy and Truth Medical Missions clinic is able to provide primary family care, full laboratory and immunization services, acute and chronic care, preventative healthcare and education, Early Detection Works Program for women, and school and sport physicals. Residents must income qualify for the services. Please contact Mercy and Truth Medical Missions at (913) 248-9965 for additional information.

The City of Shawnee understands that paying for childcare can be a barrier for parents to remain employed or seek employment. With support from the City's Community Development Block Grant program, childcare scholarships are available to low to moderate income families through Johnson County Parks and Recreation. To find out more about the childcare assistance program, contact the JCPRD Administrative Offices at (913) 438-7275.

Community CareLink