Kansas is one of the states in the country where it is cheaper to live. In fact, those who live in the state pay an average of 29% less for their housing than people do in other states. The overall cost of living in the state is 12% less than other states, making it an affordable place to call home. Even with the lower cost of living, there are still many people who will struggle to pay for housing. The good news is that there are programs offering housing assistance for ex-felons in Kansas.
Those who have been incarcerated, spending time in jail or prison, may find it difficult to find affordable housing. They may also find it difficult to find housing options that will allow them to live there, without having a good credit history that can be verified. In such cases, it is important to turn to the programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Kansas.
The programs that provide housing assistance will help those who have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. They often provide financial assistance, helping to pay for the rent and utility bills. There are also programs that will help people locate affordable housing options in their area. Those who do receive help through the programs can take comfort knowing that they will not ever have to pay the funds back, because it is not considered a loan. It is considered a gift to help people in the community who need financial assistance.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in Kansas
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – As the largest provider of housing assistance in the country, HUD offers a variety of helpful programs. The programs are open to those who have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. They offer housing assistance for ex-felons in Kansas in the form of helping to pay rent. They will also help you in finding affordable housing options in the area of the state where you live. Other programs that HUD offers include Section 8, which provides people with government-owned housing units that they can live in for free, and a weatherization program. The weatherization program will make your home more energy efficient, which will reduce your monthly utility bills. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD in Kansas, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – This is a government agency that offers a rural development program for those who have a low income and are legal citizens or legal non-citizens. The program encourages people to build or buy homes in rural areas of the state. The program is open to ex-felons who would like housing assistance and do not mind living rurally. To get more information about the rural development program in Kansas, click here.
Hillcrest Transitional Housing – This program focuses on providing housing assistance for those in need, helping them to not be homeless. The program has helped well over 1,000 people to avoid homelessness and become self sufficient. The program offers a 90-day adult or family program, a rapid re-housing service, and a youth transitional program. Adults who enter the program have to maintain a full time job and attend life skills training through the program. There is an average wait time of 6-10 weeks to enter the program. To get more information about the programs offered through Hillcrest Transitional Housing, click here.
Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program – This program helps 24 men at a time with housing assistance, food, and more. They provide people with a place to live, food, clothing, toiletries, laundry facilities, and more. They give the people guidance so that they can become self sufficient. To get more information about the program, click here.
Village Initiative – This is a non-profit organization that offers housing assistance for ex-felons in Kansas, as well as for others who are in need. The program focuses on helping people to rebuild their lives, following incarceration. They offer transitional housing, a reentry program, and a mentoring program. The reentry program focuses on helping ex-felons who have been incarcerated to be able to transition back to the community. They will receive help with housing, food, counseling, and mentoring. To get more information about the program, click here.
Safe Haven – This is an outreach program that helps people with their housing needs. They try to help those who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. The house they provide can take in eight people at one time, giving them a safe place to live. They do accept ex-felons, as long as their crime was not violent or sexual in nature. Everyone accepted into the program can stay for 60-90 days. While they are in the program they are expected to work so they can save to become self sufficient and they have to pay 15% of their earnings into the program. This covers the cost of the housing and food. The program is set up to have a family-like atmosphere. To get more information about the Safe Haven program, click here.
My Father’s House Community Services – This is a transitional housing program that opened in 2006. The program provides housing assistance for ex-felons in Kansas, along with others who need help. Those who enter the program need to be homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. They will give you the guidance you need to be self sufficient. To get more information about the program, click here.
In addition to these programs, contact churches in your area to see if they offer housing assistance programs. Many of them do have programs in place to help those in the community who need assistance. If they do not offer the programs there, they may be able to refer you to local places that do offer them. They work with organizations in the area to help meet the needs of people in the community. They should be able to help directly or refer you to places that can help.
