“There has been an assumption that we do not have homelessness here,” said Rita Carr, UCS Director of #CommunityPlanning. “This is the time to really pay attention and see how we can respond before the problem becomes insurmountable.” Join us: tinyurl.com/2nas5n88

In this excerpt from their full conversation, Jon shares with Tom about a significant life event that affected his views and belief system. Listen in to part of their thoughtful conversation: youtu.be/9mSCPacDEVM

“The worst kept secret about #homelessness is that it’s so much more expensive to do nothing and to allow the status quo to continue,” said Jarrod Sanderson, COO of Nautical Manufacturing & Fulfillment. Join us on June 21st: tinyurl.com/2nas5n88

JoCo currently doesn't have a year-round emergency shelter for individuals. "The lack of a shelter doesn't mean they don't exist but that we have chosen not to provide resources," said Joe Karlin, Co-Founder of Dignity Project. Join us 6/21 to learn more: tinyurl.com/2nas5n88

Community members are invited to a summit focused on housing insecurity on 6/21. “I hope people understand the human needs behind the issue. Hopefully we'll identify where we have gaps and find resources to fill those needs," said Robert Welch. Register: tinyurl.com/2nas5n88

Have you listened to Tom and Jon's conversation in the third episode of JoCo's #OneSmallStep? Their paths have been different, but they find a lot of common ground throughout their discussion. Listen here: youtu.be/d0oo1I-EAKY

In Tom's #conversation with Jon, he certainly demonstrated the ability to listen intently and understand where another person is coming from. To hear their full discussion on JoCo's #OneSmallStep, click here: youtu.be/d0oo1I-EAKY

From Jon's #perspective, life experience shapes the way you view the world and can even change your beliefs over time. He discusses this -- and much more -- with his conversation partner Tom on JoCo's #OneSmallStep. Listen here: youtu.be/d0oo1I-EAKY

One Small Step, created by NPR's StoryCorps, provides question prompts for participants. The goal isn't to debate #politics, but to learn who we are as people. Hear what Tom & Jon have to say in episode 3 of JoCo's #OneSmallStep: youtu.be/d0oo1I-EAKY

Coordinated entry systems (CES) quickly identify, assess, refer & connect households to housing assistance based on their strengths & needs. The primary goal of the #CES is to allocate assistance as effectively and accessibly as possible. Find the Facts: bit.ly/44m6zSn

For women in the workforce with young children, #childcare is a critical element for workforce participation & long-term financial stability—but childcare costs stand out as one of the biggest barriers to both. Find the Facts: bit.ly/3NPYI8C

In partnership with Johnson County Dept. of Health & Environment, UCS encourages you to participate in this year’s community health assessment by clicking on tinyurl.com/JoCoCHA23. More info here: jocogov.org/department/hea….

If you haven't had a chance to view or listen to any of the video highlights or full-length conversations of JoCo's #OneSmallStep, you can find the first three episodes anytime on our YouTube channel: bit.ly/UCSYouTube

Thank you to NPR's StoryCorps for creating the #OneSmallStep #podcast framework. The resources provided, as well as their help matching each of the participants with one another, made this a success. View JoCo's One Small Step here: bit.ly/UCSYouTube

JoCo's Human Service Safety Net helps ensure individuals & families in our community can contribute to society, regardless of circumstance. These programs provide a pathway out of poverty & create opportunity for our community's most vulnerable residents. bit.ly/43nteN4

Register for the KS Public Policy Forum now! tinyurl.com/UCSPublicPolic…

It's finally time! #GivingTuesday is a day to celebrate joy - to give what we have to help change our local communities, and the world! Everyone has something to contribute. #ucsjoco appreciates your ongoing support! ucsjoco.org/donate

Housing cost burden, poverty & isolation make it difficult for seniors (65+) to thrive in #JocoKS. Recent data emphasizes the need for support networks, housing options & community services to enhance the well-being of older adults in our community. bit.ly/3s91b7A

Johnson County is home to more than 619,000 people of all races and ages. As population continues to grow, it is important to be mindful of the health and human service needs present and growing in our community. Find the facts: bit.ly/3SlGlMl #factfriday

In Kansas, maternal health disparities are apparent in maternal mortality & morbidity data. Non-White women are nearly 2x as likely to die within a year of pregnancy as White women. To confront this, a range of supports must be present for all women. bit.ly/3S7q7oD