Housing Rehabilitation & Demolition or Neighborhood Development in Kansas

The Housing Rehabilitation & Demolition or Neighborhood Development program is a funding initiative provided by the Kansas Department of Commerce aimed at improving housing conditions for low- to moderate-income households in areas affected by slum and blight. The program allocates a total of $1.5 million for the year 2024, with individual communities eligible to receive funding ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. This funding can be utilized for various projects, including housing rehabilitation, demolition of dilapidated structures, and neighborhood development activities that enhance public facilities. The primary purpose of this grant is to support projects that improve housing quality and neighborhood conditions for low- to moderate-income residents. Eligible projects include the rehabilitation of single-family homes, upper-story housing, and the renovation of buildings to create new housing units. Additionally, the program allows for the demolition of housing units and outbuildings, as well as neighborhood development initiatives that may involve public facility improvements such as streets, drainage systems, curbs, and sidewalks. Up to 20 percent of the rehabilitation funds can be allocated for emergency situations, and other eligible activities include the removal of architectural barriers and energy efficiency strategies. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be incorporated cities in Kansas that do not receive an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County are excluded from eligibility. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear need and readiness, as well as those that can show a significant impact on the community. The funding scope allows for a maximum of $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and/or demolition, with an additional $200,000 available for neighborhood development, totaling a potential $500,000 for combined housing and infrastructure projects. Communities are required to provide a 50 percent match for the infrastructure portion of the funding, which can be up to $200,000, as well as cover the costs associated with environmental reviews for housing projects. Applications for the grant must address specific questions related to project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and the availability of matching funds. The evaluation criteria focus on the project's alignment with national objectives, particularly in benefiting low- to moderate-income households. For housing rehabilitation activities, landlords must contribute a percentage of the rehabilitation costs based on their income status, ensuring that the program effectively targets those in need. The application deadline for this grant is December 2, 2024. Interested parties should prepare their submissions in advance to meet this timeline. For further inquiries or assistance, applicants can contact Timothy Parks at the Kansas Department of Commerce via email or phone. This program represents a significant opportunity for eligible communities in Kansas to enhance their housing and neighborhood conditions through targeted funding and support.