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Kansas Low Income Housing

Providing a solution to creating more low income housing in Kansas

Millions of dollars have currently been proposed by legislation for grant provisions to historic structures and low-income housing in Kansas. These proposed laws could impact the affordable housing industry and if passed, could affect the direction in which the industry will move. The housing industry has been struggling since the economic decline and we have seen Congress work on improving the marketplace by passing legislation that would help to stimulate housing, as evidenced by the stimulus bills and other housing bills passed in the last few years. These bills are no different, in that they are also designed to have a positive impact. If only a small percentage of the currently debated legislation is passed, the low-income housing community may see another much-needed overall positive change in many Kansas areas.

Rebuilding Kansas communities

The recession has presented many challenges for the housing industry in Kansas. In an effort to encourage new homebuyers into the market many homes today are priced lower than before, which means they can be a great buy. Government stimulus in the form of grants for funding affordable low-income housing needs should provide a significant boost to many local economies. Government and non-profit community development organization's stabilizing and revitalizing distressed neighborhoods will transform neighborhoods.

Government grants help spur new home construction, sustain good-paying jobs and provide quality housing for families struggling to make ends meet. Creation of affordable low-income housing in Kansas helps keep construction jobs afloat and allows local companies to stay in business, most are small companies. Forty construction trades are needed to build one house, this usually goes a long way in supporting local jobs and delivering tax revenue for Kansas.

Kansas City Housing & Community Development

The Community Development Department coordinates programs funded through federal and state grants to assist in creating a viable urban community for the neediest persons in Kansas City while reducing poverty, embracing diversity, assisting with economic development, and improving the overall quality of life.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the Housing and Community Development Division using federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars. CDBG is the Unified Government’s entitlement grant from HUD. According to federal regulation, the use of these funds is limited to support services that will benefit households of "low and moderate" income.

Kansas Development Finance Authority

Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) issues bonds to finance affordable multifamily housing revenue bonds to provide affordable multifamily housing throughout Kansas. KDFA works with private developers and their finance teams to issue multifamily housing revenue bonds, usually on an annual basis on behalf of these private borrowers who are responsible for repayment of the obligations to provide financing for multifamily housing projects.

The powers of the Kansas Development Finance Authority are vested by statute in a five-member Board of Directors who are appointed by the Governor to staggered four-year terms of office, subject to confirmation by the Kansas Senate. At least three of the appointed members must be representative of the general public.

Housing And Urban Development - HUD

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.

HUD awards grants to organizations and groups for a variety of purposes. Working with local nonprofit organizations to invest in their communities through property rehabilitation and resell to first time home buyers and low to moderate income families.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a subsidiary corporation of the Kansas Development Finance Authority. KHRC is steadfast in the mission to enhance Kansas communities with more housing opportunities. This goal is achieved through using a variety of strategies and approaches, including increasing homeownership opportunities, leveraging the construction of more affordable rental housing, preserving existing housing through rehabilitation, promoting energy efficiency improvements for owner-occupied and rental housing, providing affordable housing through rent assistance to low-income families and senior citizens, and creating housing opportunities for previously underserved persons and communities. KHRC provides a wide range of homeownership programs to assist eligible low-income Kansas families improved living conditions. The goal of KHRC’s activities in all of these areas is to enhance Kansas communities with affordable housing opportunities.

Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program

The Kansas Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. In order to qualify, applicants must be living at the address, be personally responsible for purchasing heating costs incurred at the current residence, and the combined gross income (before deductions) of all persons living at the address may not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level. Benefit levels vary according to the following factors: household income, number of persons living at the address, type of heating fuel and utility rates. In order to qualify, applicants must meet certain eligible requirements.

Kansas Rental Housing Search

The Kansas Housing Search is sponsored by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, Kansas Housing Search provides information about rental properties. Property owners and managers, including Housing Authorities and private landlords, can use this service to manage their property listings free of charge. Listings can include pictures, maps, and information about nearby amenities. Property owners and housing authorities can register and manage their listings online or via phone and fax.

FHLBank Low-Income Programs

Federal Home Loan Bank System cooperative banks offer low-cost banking services and provides a stable source of funding to federally insured depository institutions. Twelve regional banks in the FHLB System, which raises funds in the global financial markets and distributes the proceeds to members and local Kansas communities.

FHLB Topeka serves the housing needs of local Kansas communities by providing local banks with flexible options for community development initiatives. Contributing to community non-profits in the form of grants and subsidized advances that help build low-income housing these funds have helped with more affordable housing units and contributed to job growth throughout the region.