Housing & Utility Assistance Resources for Staff
Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) Program
Helps renters get the assistance they need to avoid eviction or utility shutoff.KERA 2.4 is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). Eligibility criteria: Rent in Kansas; at least one household member has a financial hardship related to the COVID pandemic; your household’s 2020 or 2021 annual income falls below 80% of the area median income for the county for where your housing unit is located; at least one member of your household is uncertain where they will stay or may become homeless without housing assistance; and provide valid proof of identification. Tenants and landlords jointly complete a separate online certification.
Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund
Helps qualifying Kansans get current on their mortgages and property taxes and avoid foreclosure. It serves all eligible Kansans who have had difficulty paying their mortgages, property taxes, homeowner association fees, utilities, or internet/broadband payments due to financial hardships during the COVID pandemic. Eligibility criteria: Own your home; the property is your primary residence; you can provide proof of identification; you’re at risk of losing your home without assistance; your recent income did not exceed 150% of your area’s median income; your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic; and your household is at least 30 days past due on mortgage or home property tax payments.
Apply online. If approved, KHAF funds are sent and applied directly to homeowners’ accounts.
Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority
Offers public housing, transitional housing and Section 8 housing vouchers for households meeting eligibility requirements, including gross annual income within 50% of the Douglas County area median income.
1600 Haskell Ave.
Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 842-8110
Walk-in hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lawrence Family Promise
Assists families with children under 18 who are experiencing a housing crisis achieve and maintain permanent housing, including rental assistance to avoid eviction, temporary shelter, case management, stabilization supports, and more.
(785) 764-9506
City of Lawrence Utility Assistance Program (water, sewer, trash and recycling)
This community-funded program began in January. Eligibility requirements: Households earning at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level; assistance must guarantee at least 30 days of utility service or service restoration; and the following documentation: a. Disconnect notice or budget billing/pay arrangement due within 10 days, b. Photo ID for the person listed on the bill (they must live in the home); and c. Income verification for the past 30 days for all members of the household over 18.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas administers the fund. Call 785-856-2694 for an appointment. (No walk-ins at this time.)
1525 W. 6th St.
Lawrence, KS 66044
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Project DESERVE (Evergy customers)
Provides a one-time payment of up to $300 for emergency assistance paying energy costs for people with a severe disability (children or adults meeting Social Security disability criteria), older adults (people 65 years or older). Income-eligible households can apply for a one-time payment of up to $100 toward an energy bill over a rolling 12-month period.
Center of Hope determines eligibility based on need and household income. If you think you might be eligible for Project DESERVE assistance, please contact Center of Hope at 316-219-2121 or Evergy at 800-383-1183.
Warm Hearts (Black Hills Energy customers)
Applications are available at the Ballard Center, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, ECKAN, Salvation Army and the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. The administration office reviews all applications for final approval, verifying the household income reported on the application along with personal identification of all applicants before proceeding. Warm Hearts makes payments for assistance directly to the gas, electric, propane or wood provider. Payments will not exceed $600 per household between Jan. 1-May 31. Along with an application to Warm Hearts, all applicants can apply for a Low-Income Energy Assistance Program award.