Menu
housing assistance in kansas

Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in Kansas

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in Kansas

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025


Main Points

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance. Kansas 2-1-1 operates 24/7 and connects you to local emergency housing services.

Can’t pay rent this month? Contact your local Community Action Agency for emergency rental assistance through remaining TBRA funds.

Utilities shut off or threatened? Apply for crisis assistance through your local Community Action Agency – many offer same-day help for utility emergencies.

In danger from domestic violence? Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence: (785) 232-9784 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Need food assistance? Find your nearest food pantry at Kansas Food Bank locator or call 2-1-1.

Emergency Housing Assistance

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The Emergency Solutions Grant program operates across all 105 Kansas counties, providing funding to prevent homelessness, offer emergency shelter, and help families transition to permanent housing. ESG is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and distributed through local service providers.

What it covers:

  • Up to 3 months past-due rent (varies by provider)
  • Security deposits and first month’s rent for new housing
  • Utility deposits and past-due utility bills
  • Moving costs and temporary storage fees
  • Case management and housing search assistance
  • Rapid rehousing services for homeless families

Who qualifies:

  • Households experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
  • Families who will lose housing within 14 days
  • Generally serves households at or below 30% of Area Median Income
  • Priority given to families with children and extremely low-income households

How to apply: Contact your local Emergency Solutions Grant provider. Each region has designated agencies that handle applications. Processing times vary but emergency cases are prioritized.

Reality check: ESG funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served. Some providers may have waiting lists during high-demand periods. Don’t wait if you’re facing eviction – apply immediately and ask about expedited processing for emergency situations.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

The Tenant Based Rental Assistance program helps income-eligible households with rent, security deposits, and utility deposits. TBRA is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation through a network of local agencies across the state.

What it provides:

  • Monthly rental assistance for up to 24 months
  • Security deposits for new rental units
  • Utility deposits and connection fees
  • Housing search assistance and counseling
  • Case management services

Income requirements: Generally serves households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income. Some programs prioritize extremely low-income families (30% AMI or below).

How to apply: Applications are accepted through funded agencies listed by county. Each agency has its own application process and requirements.

Community Action Agencies Crisis Assistance

Kansas has 16 Community Action Agencies serving all 105 counties. These agencies provide emergency assistance including rental help, utility payments, and basic needs support.

Services typically include:

  • Crisis intervention for utility shut-offs (up to $500 in many areas)
  • Emergency rental assistance (amounts vary by agency)
  • Security deposit assistance
  • Emergency food assistance
  • Transportation vouchers

Contact: Find your local Community Action Agency at capks.org/agencies.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s largest rental assistance program. In Kansas, very low-income families typically pay 30% of their income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder.

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025

Area 1 Person (50% AMI) 2 People (50% AMI) 3 People (50% AMI) 4 People (50% AMI)
Wichita MSA $28,550 $32,650 $36,700 $40,750
Kansas City MSA $40,800 $46,650 $52,450 $58,300
Lawrence MSA $33,750 $38,600 $43,400 $48,200
Topeka MSA $29,800 $34,050 $38,300 $42,550
Rural Kansas Average $26,750 $30,550 $34,400 $38,200

Note: Extremely low-income households (30% AMI) receive priority. These figures represent 50% of Area Median Income limits.

Waiting Times and Availability

According to current data from Kansas housing authorities:

  • Urban areas (Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka): 18-36 months
  • Mid-size cities (Lawrence, Salina, Manhattan): 12-24 months
  • Rural areas: 6-18 months
  • Statewide average: 12-24 months

As of August 2025, only 5 housing authorities statewide have open waiting lists. Most major metropolitan areas have closed lists.

Priority groups:

  • Families experiencing homelessness
  • Families with disabilities
  • Elderly households
  • Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

  1. Check current waiting list status for your area
  2. Apply when lists open (most accept applications online)
  3. Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards for all household members
  4. Complete eligibility interview and background check
  5. Wait for voucher availability
  6. Attend voucher briefing when called
  7. Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
  8. Complete housing inspection before move-in

Fair Market Rents (2025)

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025

Area 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 4 BR
Wichita MSA $627 $779 $1,089 $1,389
Kansas City MSA $899 $1,109 $1,509 $1,939
Lawrence MSA $759 $969 $1,309 $1,669
Topeka MSA $659 $829 $1,149 $1,469
Rural Kansas Average $549 $689 $959 $1,229

These are maximum amounts Section 8 will pay toward rent in each area.

Reality check: Kansas does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. About 60% of landlords in urban areas accept vouchers, compared to 40% in rural areas.

Public Housing

Public housing developments are owned and operated by local housing authorities. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income, and utilities may be included.

Major housing authorities:

Pros:

  • Lower cost than market rate
  • Stable housing with on-site management
  • Some properties offer supportive services
  • Shorter waiting lists than Section 8 in some areas

Cons:

  • Limited locations and unit types
  • Less neighborhood choice
  • Older buildings may need maintenance

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills through the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

Income Eligibility (60% State Median Income)

Source: Kansas LIEAP Guidelines 2025

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $32,760
2 people $42,900
3 people $53,040
4 people $63,180
5 people $73,320
6 people $83,460

Benefits available:

  • Regular heating/cooling assistance: varies by need, typically $200-600
  • Crisis assistance: up to $600 for emergency situations
  • One-time per federal fiscal year benefit

Application periods:

Processing time: Typically 2-3 weeks after complete application submission

Required documents:

  • Photo ID for utility account holder
  • Social Security cards for all household members
  • Recent utility bills showing past due amounts or disconnect notices
  • Proof of income for previous month for all household members 18+

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency. Applications cannot be submitted directly to DCF.

Reality check: Federal budget cuts in April 2025 created uncertainty about LIHEAP’s future. Kansas DCF continues processing applications but future funding is uncertain.

Utility Company Assistance Programs

Many Kansas utility companies offer assistance programs:

Evergy Programs:

Kansas Gas Service:

  • Project Share: Customer donations help pay bills for neighbors in need
  • Payment arrangements and budget billing
  • Energy efficiency programs

Atmos Energy:

  • Sharing the Warmth: Emergency assistance for gas bills
  • Payment plans and budget billing options

Homeownership Programs

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) First Time Homebuyer Program

KHRC’s First Time Homebuyer Program helps income-eligible households purchase their first home with down payment assistance.

Down payment assistance:

  • 20% of purchase price if household income is 50% or less of area median income
  • 15% of purchase price if household income is between 50-80% of area median income
  • Loan is completely forgiven after 10 years if home remains primary residence

Eligibility requirements:

  • First-time homebuyers (haven’t owned home in past 3 years)
  • Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income
  • Must contribute at least 1% of home’s purchase price from own funds
  • Must be approved for 30-year first mortgage (conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA)
  • No minimum credit score, but must qualify for first mortgage

Area restrictions: Available in most Kansas counties but NOT in:

  • Johnson County
  • City limits of Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, and Wichita

How to apply: Contact a participating lender. Find participating lenders on KHRC website.

Federal Home Loan Bank Homeownership Set-Aside Program

This program assists first-time homebuyers with down payment, closing costs, and repair costs.

Benefits:

  • Grants between $2,500 and $7,500
  • Grant is forgiven after 5 years
  • Can be used for down payment, closing costs, or home repairs

Requirements:

  • Household income cannot exceed 80% of area median income
  • Must work with FHLBank member lender
  • Contact: 866-571-8155

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

USDA Section 502 program helps low-income families buy homes in rural areas with no down payment.

Current rates: Fixed rates vary based on market conditions and payment assistance Loan terms: Up to 33 years (38 years for very low-income applicants) Payment assistance: Temporary subsidy available to reduce monthly payments

Eligibility:

  • Adjusted income at or below low-income limits for the area
  • Unable to obtain conventional financing
  • Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

Kansas USDA Offices:

  • Salina Regional Office (serves north central Kansas): (785) 823-4500
  • Topeka Area Office (serves northeast Kansas): (785) 271-2700

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

This program helps very low-income rural homeowners repair their homes.

Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old) Combined assistance: Up to $50,000 total ($55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas)

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Wichita Family Crisis Center

Provides transitional housing for families escaping domestic violence.

Services:

  • Safe housing for up to 2 years
  • Case management and safety planning
  • Children’s services and counseling
  • Job training and education support
  • Financial literacy and budgeting help

Counties served: Sedgwick and surrounding counties Contact: (316) 267-7233

Salvation Army Family Shelters

Multiple locations across Kansas providing emergency and transitional housing:

Wichita: Harbor Light Campus – (316) 263-7700 Topeka: Family Emergency Shelter – (785) 233-9648 Kansas City: Emergency Family Shelter – (913) 281-2171

Homeless Service Providers

Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition

Coordinates homeless services across Kansas.

Services include:

  • Emergency shelter referrals
  • Rapid rehousing assistance
  • Permanent supportive housing
  • Case management and support services

Major Homeless Service Providers:

Inter-Faith Ministries (Wichita)

  • Emergency shelter and transitional housing
  • Homeless prevention services
  • Phone: (316) 264-9303

Topeka Rescue Mission

  • Emergency shelter for families
  • Transitional housing programs
  • Phone: (785) 354-1744

Catholic Charities (Kansas City)

  • Emergency assistance and case management
  • Housing stabilization services
  • Phone: (913) 621-1504

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Kansas has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, but several organizations provide affirming support:

Local resources:

When seeking housing assistance:

  • Contact 2-1-1 and specifically ask about LGBTQ+-affirming providers
  • Many mainstream housing programs are required to provide non-discriminatory services
  • Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in many Kansas cities

Tribal-Specific Resources

Kansas has four federally recognized tribes, each with housing assistance programs:

Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

  • Location: White Cloud, Kansas
  • Housing program: Provides rental assistance and homeownership opportunities for tribal members
  • Contact: (785) 595-3258

Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas

  • Location: Horton, Kansas
  • Housing authority: Operates rental housing and homeownership programs
  • Contact: (785) 486-2131

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

  • Location: Mayetta, Kansas
  • Housing services: Rental assistance, home rehabilitation, and new construction
  • Contact: (785) 966-3920

Sac and Fox Nation

  • Location: Reserve, Kansas
  • Housing programs: Tribal housing authority operates multiple programs
  • Contact: (785) 742-7471

Additional resources:

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation, fewer service providers, and longer distances to resources.

Specialized rural resources:

  • USDA Rural Development programs (described above)
  • Kansas rural transit systems: Contact Kansas Department of Transportation for local public transit options
  • Mobile service delivery: Some Community Action Agencies provide outreach services to rural areas
  • Telehealth and virtual services: Many agencies now offer phone and video appointments

Transportation assistance:

  • Contact local Community Action Agencies for transportation vouchers or gas cards
  • Some agencies provide transportation to medical appointments and benefits offices
  • Rural Health Network of Wyoming offers medical transportation in western Kansas counties

Technology access:

  • Kansas public libraries offer free internet access and computer use
  • Some Community Action Agencies provide internet assistance for online applications
  • Kansas 211 can help locate the nearest public internet access point

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers face similar housing challenges and can access all the same programs.

All housing assistance programs described above are available regardless of gender Additional resources:

Resources by Region

Central Kansas (Wichita Metro)

Wichita Housing Authority

South Central Kansas Community Action Program

  • LIEAP utility assistance, emergency rental help
  • Serves Butler, Cowley, Harper, Kingman, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties
  • Phone: (316) 263-2681

Inter-Faith Ministries

  • Emergency shelter and transitional housing
  • Homeless prevention services
  • Address: 829 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67214
  • Phone: (316) 264-9303

Northeast Kansas (Kansas City Metro)

Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority

  • Section 8 vouchers and public housing
  • Address: 1124 N. 9th Street, Kansas City, KS 66101
  • Phone: (913) 281-3300
  • Website: kckha.org

Johnson County Housing Authority

Cross-Lines Community Outreach

  • Emergency rental and utility assistance (Wyandotte County)
  • Address: 736 Shawnee Ave., Kansas City, KS 66105
  • Phone: (913) 281-3388

Southeast Kansas

Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEKCAP)

  • Serves 14 counties in southeast Kansas
  • LIEAP assistance, emergency services, housing counseling
  • Main office: 1545 W. 7th St., Chanute, KS 66720
  • Phone: (620) 431-2980

Northwest Kansas

Northwest Kansas Community Action Program

  • Serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas
  • Emergency assistance, LIEAP, weatherization
  • Main office: 125 W. 2nd Ave., Colby, KS 67701
  • Phone: (785) 462-6106

Southwest Kansas

Community Action Program of South Central Kansas

  • Serves Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, and Pratt counties
  • Phone: (620) 672-3739

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long do I have to wait for Section 8 in Kansas?

According to current data from Kansas housing authorities, waiting times vary by location:

  • Urban areas (Wichita, Kansas City): 18-36 months
  • Mid-size cities (Topeka, Lawrence, Salina): 12-24 months
  • Rural areas: 6-18 months

Currently, only 5 Kansas housing authorities have open waiting lists. Most major metropolitan areas have closed lists due to high demand.

Can I get housing help if I work full-time?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. For example, a single mother with two children earning up to about $38,200 annually (50% Area Median Income in rural Kansas) can still qualify for very low-income housing programs. Some programs serve families earning up to 80% AMI.

What happened to KERA rental assistance?

The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program closed in February 2023 after serving over 32,000 households. However, Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is still available through local agencies, and Emergency Solutions Grant funding continues to provide emergency rental help.

My landlord won’t accept Section 8. What can I do?

Kansas does not prohibit landlords from refusing Section 8 vouchers. However, your housing authority can provide lists of participating landlords, and you can search for voucher-friendly rentals on HUD’s housing search tools. Some housing authorities offer landlord incentive programs to encourage participation.

Can I combine different housing assistance programs?

Generally, you cannot combine two rental assistance programs (like Section 8 and TBRA) simultaneously, but you can often combine housing assistance with other programs like LIEAP for utilities, SNAP for food, and childcare assistance. Each program has its own eligibility requirements.

What if I have bad credit or past evictions?

Many emergency assistance programs don’t have strict credit requirements. For long-term housing like Section 8, housing authorities may consider negative history but often allow explanations and evidence of changed circumstances. Some programs specifically prioritize people experiencing homelessness, including those with past evictions.

How do I prove income if I work irregular hours or seasonal jobs?

Keep detailed records of all work and income. Get written statements from employers when possible. Your local housing counselor can help you document irregular income properly. Many programs can look at either your past year’s total income or annualize recent income if you’ve experienced changes.

Is there help if I’m being threatened with eviction tomorrow?

Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance. Contact your local Community Action Agency for crisis rental assistance. Some areas have rapid response programs for imminent evictions. Don’t wait – apply for emergency assistance the same day you receive an eviction notice.

Can I get help moving from another state with my Section 8 voucher?

Section 8 vouchers are portable – you can transfer them between states through the “portability” process. Contact your current housing authority before moving to initiate the transfer. Johnson County Housing Authority accepts portability paperwork at portability@jocogov.org.

What happens to my assistance if my income increases?

Most programs have annual income reviews. If your income increases above program limits, you’ll typically have a phase-out period rather than immediate termination. This is actually progress toward self-sufficiency, and case managers can help you plan for the transition.

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are common in Kansas: Never pay fees to apply for Section 8, public housing, or other government programs. All legitimate government housing programs are free to apply for.

Fake housing voucher offers: Be wary of anyone claiming they can get you to the front of Section 8 waiting lists for a fee. This is always a scam.

Rental scams: Watch for rental listings that require money upfront before viewing the property, have prices too good to be true, or pressure you to act immediately.

Current Program Challenges

Limited funding for emergency assistance: With KERA closed and federal budget cuts to LIHEAP, emergency assistance funding is more limited than during the pandemic.

Long Section 8 waiting lists: Only 5 of Kansas’s housing authorities currently have open waiting lists. Most close their lists when they have more applicants than they can serve in 2-3 years.

Rural access challenges: Limited public transportation and fewer service providers in rural areas can make accessing assistance more difficult. Many appointments require in-person visits.

Tips for Success

Apply to multiple programs simultaneously: Don’t wait to be denied by one program before applying to others. Emergency assistance, Section 8, and homeownership programs all have different eligibility criteria.

Keep detailed records: Maintain organized files of all applications, income documentation, and correspondence. Many programs require annual recertification.

Build relationships with service providers: Get to know staff at your local Community Action Agency and housing authority. They can provide guidance on new programs and help you navigate challenges.

Be persistent but patient: Follow up regularly on applications, but understand that processing times are often longer than expected due to high demand.

Get help from professionals: Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor for free assistance with applications, budgeting, and homeownership preparation

🏛️More Kansas Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Kansas

Related Posts