The Salvation Army of Olathe is proud to serve families in crisis through the Johnson County Family Lodge, a place where dignity, safety and compassion meet practical support.
For families facing houselessness, the Lodge provides not only shelter but also a foundation for rebuilding their lives.
But it’s time to expand. Currently, the Family Lodge includes 11 emergency shelter rooms and three transitional housing units.
In Olathe, throughout Johnson County and across the Kansas City metro, families continue to struggle with rising housing costs, unexpected job loss and economic challenges that leave many at risk of losing their homes. While the Family Lodge currently serves 14 families at a time, the demand surpasses capacity. Every space filled represents a family given new hope, but every waiting list call is a reminder of the urgent need for more resources.
To meet this need, the Salvation Army announced an expansion of four additional transitional housing units will soon be added to the Family Lodge. These new apartments will allow more parents and children to transition out of crisis and begin the journey toward long-term stability. Unlike emergency shelter rooms, transitional housing focuses on equipping families with the tools to thrive independently, addressing barriers like employment, budgeting, childcare and access to permanent housing opportunities.
The Olathe City Council unanimously approved the plans for the expansion in late August.
The Family Lodge units are designed in an apartment-style layout, these spaces go beyond a temporary roof overhead — they provide privacy for families, a sense of normalcy during a difficult season, and a safe environment for children who often face the heaviest burden in situations of instability. Parents are empowered to focus on next steps, from securing employment to enrolling children in school, all within a supportive, on-site community.
“This growth will allow us to welcome even more families, helping them move from crisis into long-term, sustainable housing and strengthening the fabric of our community,” said Captain Cherie Woodard, Salvation Army of Olathe.
The impact of the Family Lodge extends far beyond providing beds and meals. Each family receives case management, emotional support, and connections to community resources like counseling, job training and educational opportunities. By investing in these services, the Salvation Army helps families do more than survive — the goal is to enable them to flourish.
As families graduate into sustainable housing, the community itself is strengthened. Stable housing reduces reliance on emergency services, improves educational outcomes for children, and fosters stronger, healthier neighborhoods. Every success story begins with the stability that the Family Lodge provides.
The expansion of transitional housing units represents more than just physical growth — it reflects a promise to families in Johnson County that their struggles matter and that their futures are worth investing in. While four new units may seem small, each apartment represents a lifeline for parents working hard to provide a better tomorrow for their children.
The Salvation Army of Olathe believes that by working together as a community, they can ensure that no family has to face crisis alone. The Family Lodge will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, and with continued support, its impact will only grow stronger in the years ahead.