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May 23, 2022

For people who have fallen behind on their mortgage or utilities due to COVID-19 illness, job loss or other pandemic-related hardship, “the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF) is a great benefit,” says loan officer Julie Cannady of Community National Bank & Trust (CNB) in Augusta, Kansas.

CNB registered early

CNB is one of the early loan servicer participants approved to receive KHAF payments, which are designed to prevent foreclosures in Kansas. The bank has already received one payment, bringing an elderly customer with health concerns current on her mortgage. “It’s a blessing for her,” says Cannady. There are four more CNB customer applications in the KHAF pipeline.

Since all payments go directly to the delinquent account, not the homeowner, it’s vital for banks, credit unions and other loan servicers to get registered. “It benefits the homeowner and us,” Cannady says. “It helps the homeowner and us avoid having a delinquent loan on our books.”

“We signed up to be an approved servicer when a customer requested it,” says Cannady. A homeowner in need must apply, but applications can only be considered if the lender also participates by registering with the program.

Register only once
Marilyn Stanley, KHAF Program Manager at Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, says that any bank, credit union or other loan servicers with mortgages for homes in Kansas can get set up. “It’s easy to get registered, with just a few forms to submit, and then an online portal for payment information,” says Stanley. This makes the homeowner application process much smoother and facilitates payments.

Track progress in real time
Once a servicer is approved, “the rest is easy,” says Cannady. The bank receives an email when a customer has submitted an application. The bank is then required to verify information about an applicant’s home loan, any delinquencies and the amount needed to bring the account current. Cannady can log in to the lender portal at any time to check on the status of an applicant. It shows the application pipeline and indicates if any information or action is needed from the bank. Cannady reports that none of CNB’s customers who have applied have been denied so far. Stanley encourages other banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders to get registered and talk to customers who may benefit from this program. Homeowners must be low- to moderate-income, and can see if they qualify by answering a few questions in the homeowner application portal. “Financial instability and the fear of losing your home is traumatic. Talk to customers that you think may benefit,” says Stanley, “this is a win-win for homeowners and lenders.”

About KHAF
The KHAF program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. More information for lenders is online at https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-homeowner-assistance-fund-lenders.

KHAF Call Center
To assist both homeowners and lenders.
8 am – 5 pm CST, Mon–Fri
855-307-KHAF (5423)

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number HAFP-0140
awarded to Kansas Housing Resources Corporation by the US Department of the Treasury

May 13, 2022

Governor Kelly capped off the legislative session by signing two major bipartisan housing bills into law, representing a significant expansion of resources to support statewide housing development. The measures represent a combined $62 million in new housing resources, as well as initiatives to incentivize housing development.

“We’ve long known that Kansas has a shortage of quality, affordable housing, but the COVID pandemic turned our state’s housing problem into a crisis,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “Our 2021 statewide housing needs assessment—the first undertaken in nearly 30 years—illustrated the need for more quality, affordable housing in all regions of the state. We are grateful to state leaders, housing partners, and advocates for prioritizing this historic investment to make that housing a reality.”

The measures include a suite of provisions to expand current housing development initiatives and establish new resources:

House Sub. For Sub. For SB267, signed April 20, 2022:
- Designates an additional $20 million for the 2022 fiscal year from the State General Fund for KHRC’s Moderate Income Housing (MIH) program, to be awarded to cities and counties to develop multi-family rental units and single-family for-purchase homes in communities with populations less than 60,000. Previously, the MIH program had been funded at a rate of $2 million annually since its inception in 2012.
- Designates $20 million from the State General Fund for fiscal year 2023 to the State Housing Trust Fund to establish a Rural Housing Revolving Loan Program to provide loans or grants to rural communities for moderate- and low-income housing development or related infrastructure.
- Provides $20 million in ARPA funds for the state’s MIH program, to be awarded to cities and counties to develop multi-family rental units and single-family for-purchase homes in communities with populations less than 60,000.

HB2237, signed May 5, 2022:
- Provides $13 million annually to establish a Housing Investor Credit for qualified investors who make cash investments in qualified housing developments in counties ranging from 8,000 – 75,000 residents (SB375).
- Establishes the Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act, a state tax credit offered in addition to the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit, to incentivize affordable housing development (SB369).
- Establishes the Kansas Rural Home Loan Guarantee Act allowing KHRC to provide loan guarantees to help address the difference between the cost of construction and the appraised value of single-family homes in counties with populations of less than 10,000.

Kansas Housing hosted a series of regional meetings and webinars in April and May to share information about the new resources and solicit feedback on proposed plans. An additional public webinar is scheduled on Thursday, May 19 from 11 – 12:30. Attendees will learn about existing housing development programs and new initiatives, as well as proposed rules, processes, and timelines for awarding funds. Participants must register online to attend. Public feedback is welcome and may be sent to housingdevelopment@kshousingcorp.org

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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.

March 24, 2022

In March of 2021, The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was passed by congress, and the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program also opened to serve tenant households that had fallen behind on rent and utilities due to a financial hardship. In a year’s time, the KERA program has disbursed more than $132 million to keep 18,449 families safely and affordably housed through the pandemic. Through continued ARPA funding, KERA remains available to eligible households.

Since the pandemic began, frontline and essential workers have provided invaluable services to keep Kansans healthy. And when those frontline workers become sick or injured, we all count on them to get back on their feet. KERA support allowed one medical worker in Topeka to stay at home while recovering from an injury so she could do just that.

She says, “I’ve been a frontline medical worker for almost nine years; however, I suffered a work injury that has left me with irreversible damage to my entire spine. The injury has forced me to go on short-term disability leave from my job. Even with the short-term leave benefits, health workers barely receive sufficient funds to support themselves, let alone enough to support a family. It’s been especially challenging to cope financially while also enduring COVID-19 twice.”

New KERA guidelines allow eligible households that have suffered a financial hardship at any time during the pandemic to receive up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance, an increase from the previous 15-month maximum. Eligible households can also now request a $900 lump sum in internet assistance.

Because of an increase in medical bills, this Topeka worker will still be able to receive additional KERA funding now that household financial hardships aren’t required to be COVID-19-related. “Back and neck surgery will be inevitable for me in the future,” she says. “Meanwhile, most of my income goes to a stack of medical bills, pain management, medical insurance, and past-due bills. This is why I am beyond grateful for the rental and utility assistance provided by KERA. I’m able to remain in my home to rest and recover so I can eventually get back to work.”

For many Kansans, recovering from the monetary strain of mounting bills, along with past-due rent and utilities, can be nearly impossible. That’s why the potential 18 months of KERA assistance is so vital to alleviating households’ financial burdens while unlocking home for our essential workers and their families. KHRC is proud to assist in our collective economic recovery as we continue to heal from the lingering pains of the pandemic.

For more information about KERA and to apply, visit: kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance

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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, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

March 21, 2022

More than $125 million in rental, utility assistance awarded

Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) funding remains available to support Kansans at risk of eviction. KERA provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to households that have experienced a financial hardship during the pandemic.

“More than a third of Kansans rent their homes, and many have struggled to cover rent and utility bills since the pandemic began,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), which administers the KERA program. “The financial repercussions are far from over for our most vulnerable families. This crucial assistance is still available to keep Kansans safely housed throughout our economic recovery.”

The KERA program has disbursed more than $125 million in rental, utility, and internet assistance to 17,633 eligible tenant households in Kansas. These funds have prevented 45,674 Kansans from experiencing evictions and utility disconnections and helped make 6,656 landlords whole.

One frontline worker described how KERA assistance kept her in stable housing during the pandemic. While on short-term work leave, she was unable to return to her health care job after twice contracting the virus. “I am beyond grateful for the rental and utility assistance provided by KERA while I recovered so I could get back to work,” she said.

The KERA program supports Kansas tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship. Recent updates have made the program more inclusive, allowing the state to serve even more Kansans:

Households that have experienced financial hardship at any time during the pandemic may now qualify for assistance.
Eligible households may receive up to 18 months of assistance, an increase from the previous 15-month maximum.
Eligible households may receive a lump sum of $900 in past-due or future internet assistance, an increase from the previous $750 limit.

Previous applicants who have not hit the 18-month maximum are eligible to recertify for additional months of assistance.

A Topeka property manager witnessed how KERA funding has helped both the complex and her tenants thrive in hard times. “Since emergency rental assistance has been available, we have provided KERA documents and Shawnee County income guidelines to any tenant that receives an eviction notice,” she said. “I tell tenants, ‘It’s always worth a shot to apply.’”

Tenants and landlords can apply jointly online via the KERA application portal. Tenants must answer pre-screening questions to determine their eligibility before accessing the application. KERA applicants must meet income guidelines and must provide:

Proof of identification;
A signed lease or equivalent documentation;
Documentation or self-attestation of housing instability;
Documentation or self-attestation of financial hardship; and
Proof or self-attestation of household income.

Once an application has been submitted, households can track their application status and respond to communications by logging into their KERA dashboard. If applicants have additional questions, they can contact KERA customer service by emailing kera@kshousingcorp.org or calling 785-217-2001, Option 1 for English; or Option 2 for Spanish.

KHRC launched the KERA program in March 2021 with funding provided by the Coronavirus Supplemental Relief Act of 2021. Continuing funding is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The measures have provided a combined $23.4 billion in emergency rental assistance to rental households nationwide, with nearly two-thirds of those funds serving extremely low-income households.

For more information and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.

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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, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

For more information on Kansas rental statistics, visit the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s report, Out of Reach 2021.

January 27, 2022

Kansans struggling to cover high utility bills and energy costs may qualify for free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient. The assistance, made available through the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, improves heating and cooling efficiency and saves energy by ensuring homes hold in heat and air conditioning while keeping hot and cold air out.

Applicants must meet income guidelines to qualify. Households that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or utility assistance from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are automatically income-eligible. The program serves renters and homeowners.

Household Size	Maximum Income (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
1	$ 25,760
2	$ 34,840
3	$ 43,920
4	$ 53,000
5	$ 62,080
6	$ 71,160
7	$ 80,240
8	$ 89,320

Eligible households receive a comprehensive home energy audit to identify inefficiencies and health and safety concerns. Based on a home’s audit results, improvements may include:

Sealing of drafts and air leaks, caulking doors and windows, weatherstripping
Testing, cleaning and repairs of heating and cooling systems and water heaters
Adding insulation to ceilings, walls, floors, and foundations
Lighting, refrigerator, and fan upgrades

All services and upgrades are provided free of charge by certified energy auditors and a network of professional crews and contractors. Applications are received and work is completed year-round.

Contractors interested in working with the program should complete this online survey.

To learn more and apply, visit the Weatherization Assistance Program web page and contact the weatherization provider serving your county.

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The Weatherization Assistance Program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), 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, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.

January 26, 2022

Each January at KHRC, we recall the words and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King as we celebrate his life and his work to provide fair housing for all. He famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” When we at KHRC read the testimonials from households that have received assistance from the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program, it helps us understand just how much we are doing for our fellow Kansans.

The KERA program not only unlocks home by preventing families with COVID hardships from being evicted. It allows the residents of these homes to rest, recover, and recharge from their setbacks so they can follow their own life’s work of supporting their communities.

S. Simms shared such an experience with us:

“When my unemployment funds dried up, I was at a loss as to how to stay afloat. I wanted to transition away from the career I had prior to the pandemic; I still wasn’t making money from my first entrepreneurial run. However, I had become involved with my neighborhood improvement association the year before the pandemic started. I saw that they really needed more help and manpower, but were suffering from low participation, burn out, and aging long-term members.

In short, these KERA funds allowed me time to really see that community organizing is something that makes me excited and brings me purpose. When I didn’t have to worry about keeping a roof over my head and the lights on, I could turn my attention to helping my community to address long-standing issues. I am very grateful to the KERA program for giving me the breathing room to follow my own heart and give back.”

When the KERA program offers housing support to one household who pays it forward by improving others’ homes, we’re helping whole communities to recover from the pandemic. What are we doing for others? We’re ensuring Kansans can lay their heads down in a place they call home each night, ready to face the challenges of a new day.

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A self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation, Kansas Housing helps Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.