Council serves rental assistance in Bourbon, Fayette, Harrison, Nicholas Counties

Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties provides comprehensive rental assistance to northern Kentucky tenants who have experienced recent money troubles and cannot afford their rent payments.

Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties

In 1965, Community Action Council got its humble start providing social services to Fayette County. Today the agency provides social services and rental assistance to Lexington, KY residents as well as tenants in neighboring Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties.

This nonprofit organization is part of  a greater Community Action Partnership, which provides much needed financial relief to individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness or financial ruin. The agency realizes that you likely can afford to keep a roof over your head long-term, if only you could receive the financial assistance you need to get through this temporary rough patch. Community Action Council may be able to assist in more than one way.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance

You might be able to get ongoing rental assistance and still be able to live in a private residence rather than a shelter or public housing. Through the Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program, local tenants are able to benefit from rent subsidies that are paid from the Council to their landlords.

If approved, you would still pay a portion of your rent to your landlord. The landlord would receive the remainder of your rent from the Council. You will need to meet the qualification guidelines of the program in order to be approved. Additionally, the Council must approve the rental property to ensure that it meets cost and safety guidelines.

TBRA is intended to give you a break from high rent costs for several months. If you need permanent assistance due to disability or inability to work, then you may instead be directed to the Samaritan Program. These vouchers are available to Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas County residents.

Transitional Housing

If you are homeless and need help getting back on your feet, then Project Independence might be the transitional housing option for you. It is available to Fayette County residents who have been evicted and cannot find a suitable place to rent. You could receive rental assistance for up to 2 years as long as you are working towards your goals for being able to afford rent on your own.

Help with Late Rent

Your missed rent payment could cause you to become evicted. Community Action Council can help you avoid eviction through a couple of different programs that provide rental assistance in emergency situations.

Fayette County tenants could get up to $200 towards rent if you can show that the amount will help you meet your rent payment for the month. You must also be able to show how you will be able to afford rent in future months before the rental assistance payment will be made. The $200 grant is part of the Family Self-Sufficiency program.

Late rent bills can be paid through a separate program that covers the entire service area. KY HEARTH is a special housing and emergency assistance program that focuses on preventing homelessness. Your delinquent rent can be paid. Other amounts may be approved to cover your next month’s rent or even a security deposit for a new, more affordable rental home. Utility help may also be included in your request for rental assistance.

Community Action Council is a participant in the Continuum of Care that serves homeless families as well as those at risk for homelessness in Bourbon, Fayette, Harrison and Nicholas Counties. If you live in the local service area and need help with your rent, call Community Action Council at 859-233-4600.