Friends of Johnson County has been presented a $7,500 Impact Award for their work supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This donation will specifically go towards the Floyd Project, a 17 apartment independent living facility for people with disabilities to live in community and dignity – planned for construction completion in 2027.
Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports
Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports’ mission is to support Johnson County Developmental Supports through volunteerism and fundraisers, helping to create communities where individuals with disabilities have no unique barriers to achieving a life of quality. They assist in providing basic needs, affordable housing, and life enhancing opportunities in Johnson County Kansas.
Their website calls for volunteerism: “By volunteering to help disabled youth and adults in Johnson County, you will exchange your time for learning something new and meeting some awesome people!”
The Floyd Street Project
The average income of individuals served by JDS is $14,112 a year, averaging $8.16 an hour and below 30% of Average Medium Income (AMI) in the area. This obviously can present huge challenges for these individuals to not only find decent quality living spaces, but spaces with accessibility features that they need. As housing costs rise, voucher acceptance declines, and accessible units become scarce, individuals with disabilities face instability, unsafe living conditions, and the risk of losing the communities they rely on.
The Floyd Street Project is intentionally designed to foster independence, dignity, and community connection. The building will feature fully inclusive living spaces with all utilities included, in-unit washers and dryers, and accessible design elements that support long-term stability and quality of life. Shared spaces will include FOJCDS offices, a community room, and retail and studio space supporting the Johnson County Emerging Artist Program, creating opportunities for community engagement and economic participation.
As stated on their website, “This is permanent supportive housing, integrated directly into the community—not institutional, not isolating, and not temporary.”
Get Involved With FOJDCS
If you live in Johnson County Kansas, you can reach out to hello@friendsofjcds.org to receive email communications about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities or fill out the form on their website.
You can also support them financially, as every dollar gets them closer to their projected completion date of October 2027 for the Floyd Street Project.
