Housing leaders welcome public input on homeowner assistance draft plan

Forthcoming program to assist Kansas homeowners experiencing financial hardship 

State officials are seeking public feedback to inform a new housing initiative that will support Kansas homeowners in need. The forthcoming Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Kansas Office Recovery and administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), will aim to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In less than a year, we’ve provided almost $50 million in emergency rental assistance to Kansas renters, landlords, and service providers,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We’re proud to have helped more than 15,000 Kansas households avoid eviction and remain stably housed during the pandemic, but we know our state’s housing needs don’t stop with tenants. Kansas homeowners: Help is on the way.”

Program administrators and state officials welcome public input as they design a program to meet the needs of Kansas homeowners. Community members are invited to share their input three ways:

1. Join the public webinar Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. to learn about the proposed plan.
2. Share your experience and expertise by participating in our surveys targeting specific stakeholder groups:
   • Homeowners
   • Realtors
   • Lenders
   • Housing counseling and legal services professionals
3. Subscribe to KHRC’s mailing list and select “Homeowner Assistance” to stay posted on the latest program news and announcements.

Community members are invited to share their input on the initiative. The public comment period will close Sunday, Sept. 12. Program administrators will review the comments received, make any recommended adjustments, and finalize the plan by Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Learn more about the KHAF initiative online.

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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.