There are several housing and emergency rental assistance programs in Kansas that can help people during a difficult time. Many resources are available to low-income people, seniors, and those with disabilities. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is a statewide organization that provides funding for many local programs and coordinates those programs across the state.
The Kansas Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, or TBRA for short, can help low-income families and individuals with paying their rent, utility and security deposits. There may also be support and guidance offered for other types of housing needs.
The Kansas Housing Assistance Payment program provides voucher assistance to eligible applicants to help reduce the amount of rent they need to pay to 30 percent of their total household income. If a client’s rent is more than 30 percent of their income, the program will pay the landlord directly. The funds can help pay for things like utility or security deposits, and that is given out as a grant or low interest loan.
The Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) is a federal government-funded program that is managed at the local county level in Kansas by organizations such as the Salvation Army and community action agencies. The program provides cash assistance to help pay for essential housing services that prevent homelessness.
The federal government offers grant programs to help with food, clothing, rent, shelter, and utilities and energy bills. People in Kansas who need financial assistance can sometimes get help from referrals to non-profits, case management, emergency rental assistance, and other services. The program is designed to help prevent homelessness and to assist homeless people in becoming independent.
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is responsible for administering Section 8 Voucher Assistance Programs. The goal of this program is to help low income renters find housing that is safe, clean, and affordable. The program can also give clients a voucher to help pay for their rent.
There are programs that can help with paying rent and providing affordable housing. People who are interested in buying a home can apply for the state of Kansas First Time Homebuyer Program. If you’re having trouble coming up with the money for a down payment or closing costs, the First Time Homebuyer Program might be able to help. The program can help you find a home, cover your mortgage costs, and even assist with moving in. If you qualify for a forgivable loan, you can use it to reduce the amount of money you would typically need to pay when buying a home. This means that you would not have to pay back the loan.
If you apply and are found to be qualified, then approved applicants will receive a loan that is forgiven gradually over time, and it may even last multiple years. This means that the state will give you money that you do not need to pay back. It is like a grant, which can be very helpful.
The applicant may receive a loan or grant for up to 20 percent of the total purchase price of the residence, depending on the applicant’s total household income. The buyer of a home will be required to invest a minimum of two percent of the sale price of the home, or $500 – whichever is greater. Your bank or lender will need to fill out an application for the Kansas homebuyer program on your behalf.
If you have a home and you want to save money on your energy bills, then the free Kansas Weatherization program can help. The federal government’s weatherization program helps people save money by improving the efficiency of their home’s heating and fuel use. This means your home will be better insulated against extreme temperatures, saving you money on your energy bill. Income eligible families across Kansas can get a free home assessment and audit, which includes replacement or repair of heating systems, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation, refrigerator and heating system tune ups, and more.
To learn more about emergency rental assistance programs, contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The agency can be contacted at 785-296-5865. There are organizations that can help with finding affordable housing and providing funds for security deposits. They can also help with other needs.