Can any place help with rent and security deposit in Lexington, KY?

(Request from Noel in Lexington, Kentucky) Is there any place in the surrounding area of Lexington, Kentucky that will help with my deposit and first month rent I’m being evicted and have to be out in less then three days on 05/09/2014. I don’t have the full payment of 860 that is needed to move in in time so if I could get help with half that would help me and my kids to have a roof over my head.

Dear Noel,

Given that you are facing eviction so soon it is important that we find a solution right away so that your family has a safe place to stay. Here are some immediate options for help with rent and security deposit in Lexington that may be possible depending on your situation and qualifications.

Project Independence

An eviction may make you eligible for transitional housing that is offered to Fayette County tenants in need. Project Independence can allow you to save up for a security deposit and first month’s rent on a future rental while meeting your current housing needs. Project Independence is the transitional housing program of the Community Action Council.

Community Action Council

The Community Action Council for Lexington–Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties provides rental assistance through multiple programs. In addition to managing Project Independence, Community Action Council can help with delinquent rent or with the move-in requirements of a new landlord.

Your first months rent payment and the security deposit are two items that could be covered by Community Action Council. This nonprofit organization provides the assistance through its KY HEARTH program. If you already have some of the money needed to move into a new rental property, then this could help you qualify for rental assistance as your need for funds may be less than that of other applicants.

Adult & Tenant Services

Lexington’s city government operates an emergency financial assistance program through its Department of Adult & Tenant Services. An interest-free loan may be available for tenants of Fayette County who have experienced a disruption in income. This could allow you to get the funds you need to meet your landlord’s move-in requirements while allowing you the luxury of having several months to repay the loan without worrying about finance charges. This zero-interest loan is preferred to retail rent loans.

To apply for emergency financial assistance with the city call 859-258-3810. Alternatively you may file an application at the 1055 Industry Rd. office in Lexington.

Lexington Rescue Mission

The Lexington Rescue Mission provides limited financial assistance to lower-income households that are facing homelessness. Funding is extremely limited and applications are only accepted for a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of every month. Call 859-381-9600 extension 237 for more information.

Lexington Housing Authority

One additional option is taking advantage of affordable housing. The Lexington Housing Authority administers over 1300 reduced rent apartments in Lexington.

Another 2500 households benefit from housing choice vouchers, allowing them to live in private rental properties while still benefiting from subsidies. To find out about reduced rent opportunities call the Lexington Housing Authority at 859-281-5060.

These programs are provided for public benefit, and it is in your interests to take advantage of the benefits for which you qualify. These agencies provide help with rent and security deposit in Lexington, Kentucky. Make sure that you act quickly and ask for referrals when appropriate so that you can get your needs met prior to becoming evicted from your apartment.