KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansans struggling to pay rent due to financial hardships brought on by COVID-19 are eligible for a new form of financial assistance, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.
Tenants who have missed at least one rent payment since April 1 can apply to receive up to $5,000.
The assistance was made available through the Kansas Eviction Protection Program, which received $35 million in CARES Act funding for the project.
Kansas renters and landlords can apply through a joint online process, which Kelly encouraged them to do as quickly as possible.
Funds for the program are limited, according to a news release from Kelly’s office, so they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in the order in which applications are received until all the money has been dispersed.
Those who are approved to receive funds can get a maximum of nine months’ rent, not to exceed $5,000, the release said.
“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses has been a top priority for my administration since the pandemic began,” Kelly said in the release. “Through this program, we will provide support to tenants and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial stress, ensure families and businesses stay put, and keep Kansans safe and healthy."
The program was recommended by Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce and is administered by the Kansas House Resources Corporation (KHRC).
“As more Kansans are doing online learning and teleworking, being able to stay in your home has never been more important,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC executive director, in the news release. “I want to thank Governor Kelly, the SPARK taskforce, and legislators for providing this much-needed support to Kansas families.”
In August, Kelly announced a moratorium on evictions (and foreclosures) as the nation awaited action from Congress.
“It’s unfortunate that now, nearly two months later, the Senate has still failed to respond with the necessary resources for those who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own,” Kelly said at a Wednesday press briefing.
More information about the program’s requirements and how to apply is posted on the program website.
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