Kentucky Emergency Rental Assistance: 2024 Application Guide

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Many Americans today struggle to make ends meet, especially with rising inflation in the current economy. Housing can be a large burden on those living on low income, or who are homeless or have special needs. The state of Kentucky provides a number of different options available for residents looking for emergency housing, including shelters, homeowner funds, assistance programs, and Section 8 housing. Below is a comprehensive guide to finding emergency rental assistance for Kentucky residents.

Assistance Programs

These programs are available to Kentuckians through the government and allow for help with bills and other home services. These include, but are not limited to:

  1. The Team Kentucky Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund can help renters with overdue utility bills up to 15 months past due. Renters and landlords can apply for rental assistance online and view the list of requirements to see if they are eligible.

  2. The Homeowner Assistance Fund exists to help homeowners with eviction notices, utility services, and foreclosures. It was created in 2020 during COVID-19 to help those affected by the pandemic, allowing qualified candidates to apply for up to $35,000 in assistance. 

Vouchers

Vouchers can be used to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals and families struggling with finding housing. Some vouchers available include:

  1. VETT Vouchers: these vouchers are available for veterans in select counties impacted by homelessness.

  2. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) RENTCafé: this website contains online housing services available to tenants and landlords.

  3. Emergency Housing Vouchers: these vouchers are available to homeless families who meet specific criteria.

Section 8 Housing

Section 8 Housing is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and seeks to provide rental assistance to low-income families and individuals. In the state of Kentucky, the program is run by the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), and applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for assistance, including:

  • A household income at or below 50% of the median income

  • Passing a criminal background check since specific crimes would disqualify individuals from assistance 

  • A good rental history with no previous outstanding debts

  • Number of people in the household

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a non-citizen with eligible immigration status

Section 8 will pay a maximum amount of 30% of a household’s total income, but this number can vary based on several factors including the number of bedrooms and the location of the rental unit. 

Application Process

Interested candidates can begin the application process by finding an open waiting list on the KHC website or by getting in touch with local representatives. Once they find an open list, they can continue the process which includes the following steps:

  1. Complete the Section 8 application through the website or on paper through KHC

  2. Provide necessary documentation including, but not limited to, proof of income, citizenship, and rental history

  3. Complete an interview with KHC or local housing authority to further determine eligibility. 

  4. See if you have been approved for Section 8 housing assistance and added to the waitlist 

The Kentucky Housing Authorities are a helpful resource available throughout the application process. There are several branches throughout Kentucky so applicants can contact the closest one in their specific area for more information. They also manage the wait list for Section 8 Housing which can last for years due to high demand.

Shelters

There are several shelters in place for those affected by homelessness in Kentucky. 

Additional Housing Resources

If you require further options for rental assistance, there are additional resources available in Kentucky such as:

  • Public Housing: This resource is run by local housing authorities and can include units with immediate availability

  • Private Rental Markets: Some landlords will offer affordable units to low-income families and individuals through rent subsidies or with units located in housing developments 

  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Properties: These are units funded by federal tax credits for low-income households

  • Rural Development Housing: This program is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and includes resources such as rental assistance, grants, and home loans

There is a wide range of resources available to Kentuckians struggling with financial hardships and homelessness. Though the homelessness crisis is growing and waitlists might seem endless, it is still important to utilize the resources available if you seek financial assistance.

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Carol Bianchi

Carol Bianchi is a staff writer for Affordable Housing Hub. Her role includes sourcing up to date information and news on affordable housing programs within the U.S. and bringing that information to the readers of Affordable Housing Hub.