Hi there! Finding affordable housing can feel incredibly stressful, but I want you to know there are lots of options for getting rental assistance in our community. I‘ve put together this guide to walk you step-by-step through all the major programs, organizations, and resources available. My goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to find and qualify for help with your housing costs.
I myself went through the process of applying for housing assistance years ago when I was struggling to pay rent. So I understand the confusion and frustration firsthand. But I eventually got approved and it made a world of difference! I want the same for you and every Louisvillian searching for reliable, affordable housing.
So don‘t worry, we‘ll figure this out together. Let‘s dive in!
Section 1 – Major Rental Assistance Programs in Louisville
There are a few well-known government programs that provide rental assistance. These are going to be your best options for long-term, ongoing help paying the rent. Let‘s review how they work:
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Hands down, Section 8 is the biggest rental assistance program in the city. It‘s run by the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Here are the key facts on Section 8:
- Provides vouchers you can use to rent any unit from private landlords that accept Section 8
- Tenant pays 30% of income towards rent and voucher covers the rest
- Average voucher holder pays $250 per month out of pocket
- Current payment standards: $816 for 1 bedroom, $981 for 2 bedrooms
- Waitlist is currently about 9,000 families long
To qualify for Section 8 in Louisville, income limits are:
| Household Size | Max Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $25,750 |
| 2 people | $29,400 |
| 3 people | $33,100 |
| 4 people | $36,750 |
| 5 people | $39,700 |
| 6 people | $42,600 |
| 7 people | $45,500 |
| 8 people | $48,400 |
You also have to meet other criteria around criminal history, immigration status, evictions etc. The full process to apply and get a voucher can take 12 months or more. But it provides long-term rental assistance, so it‘s worth the wait!
About 1 in 4 Louisville renters receive Section 8 assistance. So it‘s a fairly common program here. I‘d absolutely recommend applying if you‘re eligible.
Public Housing
LMHA also runs public housing communities throughout Louisville.
Here are some stats on public housing:
- Over 4,000 public housing units across the city
- Average rent is $243 per month
- Waitlist is around 2 years currently
- Eligibility is similar to Section 8 – based on income limits and other criteria
Public housing isn‘t quite as flexible as Section 8 since you have to live in LMHA-managed properties. But the subsidized rent certainly helps. And you get access to amenities and programming at the housing communities. It‘s a great option if you qualify.
Other Federal Programs
A couple other rental assistance programs you may encounter include:
- Housing Choice Vouchers for the Non-Elderly Disabled – This is a Louisville-specific Section 8 program for ages 18-61 with qualifying disabilities. About 500 people receive these specialized vouchers.
- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) – Combines Section 8 vouchers with case management for veterans who are homeless or at risk. Administered jointly by the VA Medical Center and LMHA.
- Low Income Housing Tax Credit Apartments – LIHTC gives developers tax credits for building affordable units. There are over 5,000 LIHTC apartments in Louisville with below-market rents.
- Project-Based Section 8 – Privately owned properties that accept Section 8 vouchers for some or all units. Allows tenants to pay just 30% of income in rent.
I won‘t go into all the eligibility details, but wanted to overview the main federal programs you might access here in Louisville. They provide the deepest subsidies and most rent relief. Now let‘s look at…
Section 2 – Local Organizations Providing Aid
In addition to HUD programs, we have fantastic local nonprofits assisting with housing costs:
Louisville Metro Department of Housing Stability (LMHS)
A go-to source for rental help is LMHS. They run the following programs:
- Metro Emergency Housing Assistance Program (MEHAP) – Provides short-term aid for rent/mortgage to prevent eviction or foreclosure. You have to prove a temporary emergency caused your hardship.
- Elder Shelter + Care Rental Assistance – Subsidies for seniors 62+ who are homeless to help them afford housing.
- Family Unification Program – Housing vouchers for families at risk of neglect/abuse due to lack of adequate housing.
In 2020, LMHS provided rental assistance to 689 Louisville households through MEHAP and its other initiatives.
Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless assisted 521 households with rental assistance last year. They offer:
- One-time or short-term aid
- Help with security deposits
- Supportive housing programs combining rental assistance with services like case management and counseling.
Catholic Charities
I highly recommend Catholic Charities for their housing services, including:
- Rental and utility assistance from their community services fund
- Refugee resettlement services like security deposits and furnishings
- Immigration legal support – key if documentation issues are preventing you from accessing housing programs!
In 2020, they provided 127 households with emergency rent, utility, or shelter assistance.
Other Charities
In addition to the major players above, various local charities can potentially assist with rent, deposits, utilities, etc:
- Wayside Christian Mission
- Franciscan Ministries
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Salvation Army
- American Red Cross
I‘ll go over more tips for accessing charity aid in Section 5.
Ok, so those are the heavy hitters when it comes to rental assistance organizations. Now I want to call out some targeted programs helping with emergency and eviction prevention…
Section 3 – Emergency Rental Assistance
Emergency rental assistance can be a lifeline if you‘re experiencing a temporary crisis. Here are top options in Louisville:
211 Helpline – Call 211 to be referred to programs that fit your situation. It‘s a great free resource I always recommend.
Metro Emergency Housing Assistance Program (MEHAP) – As mentioned earlier, MEHAP provides emergency rent for up to 3 months. Apply through LMHS.
KY Housing Corporation – They distribute federal emergency rental funds to agencies statewide. In Louisville, the Center for Women and Families is one spot you can access this assistance.
Legal Aid Society – Helps tenants on the brink of eviction through their Homeless Prevention Project.
Community Action Partnership (CAP) – Jefferson County CAP offers limited funds for emergency rent and utilities.
Between MEHAP, KHC resources, and other programs, there are options in Louisville to help avoid evictions or catch up rent in a crisis.
Section 4 – Homelessness Prevention
Let‘s talk about resources if you‘re at risk of losing housing completely and becoming homeless:
- Coalition for the Homeless – Programs include rent/deposit assistance, case management, supportive housing, and more. In 2020 they helped 558 households avoid eviction.
- LMHS Homelessness Prevention – Provides short-term rent aid, case management, job assistance, budgeting classes, and housing search services.
- Legal Aid Society – Can help negotiate with landlords on your behalf and represent you in eviction proceedings.
- Center for Women and Families – Prevention focused on domestic violence victims through emergency housing, counseling, etc.
- St. John Center – Day shelter offering housing case management and employment assistance.
- Hip Hop Cares – Rental assistance and supportive services for young adults/families.
- Louisville Metro Housing Authority – Homeless preference to move up Section 8 waitlist faster.
Reaching out quickly for help once struggling to pay rent is key to keeping your housing stable. I know it isn‘t easy to ask for aid, but these groups offer assistance judgment-free.
Section 5 – Low Income and Subsidized Housing Options
Let‘s go over some types of affordable rental housing to directly apply for:
- LMHA public housing – Over 4,000 units across Louisville with rent subsidized based on your income.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – Allow tenants to lease in the private market with rental assistance.
- Income-based apartments – Privately owned affordable housing with below market rate rents for lower incomes.
- HUD-subsidized apartments – Privately owned properties that accept HUD subsidies enabling reduced rents. There are over 150 such properties in Louisville.
You can search listings at the LMHA website and sites like lowincomehousing.us. I‘d apply for anything you qualify for to maximize your chances.
One tip: If you meet the disability requirement, applying for units specifically designated for disabled residents can reduce your wait. Just something to keep in mind.
Ok, on to more targeted forms of assistance…
Section 6 – Help with Security Deposits, Utilities, Moving Costs
Programs are out there that help specifically with security deposits, utility deposits, and other move-in costs.
A few options:
- LMHS Housing Stabilization – Can cover security deposits for those who are homeless or formerly homeless.
- Catholic Charities – Refugee resettlement services include aid with security deposits, utility hookups, furniture, etc. They assisted 187 refugees with housing costs in 2020.
- St Vincent de Paul – May provide security deposit assistance and sometimes first month‘s rent.
- Salvation Army – When funds available, can help with moving costs, deposits, and utilities. Helped 375 households last year.
- American Red Cross – Temporary assistance for veterans, military families, and disaster victims.
Every bit helps when trying to pull together enough for a deposit and utilities. So don‘t hesitate to inquire about these targeted forms of aid.
Now let‘s go over…
Section 7 – Foreclosure Prevention
In 2020, there were 879 mortgage foreclosure filings in Louisville. If you‘re struggling with mortgage payments, assistance is available:
Making Home Affordable Program – Federal program offers mortgage modifications, refinancing, reduced payments and other options. Available through your mortgage servicer. This program helped over 240,000 homeowners nationwide avoid foreclosure last year.
Project Warm – Provides grants to bring mortgage payments current for eligible Jefferson County residents. Grants up to $500.
Legal Aid Society – Free legal counsel and representation for homeowners facing foreclosure. They assisted 82 clients last year.
Louisville Urban League – Foreclosure prevention counseling and loan modification assistance. Schedule an appointment for personalized help.
Losing your home is painful enough without having to go through foreclosure. Prevent it by acting quickly and letting these groups fight on your behalf for alternatives.
Now for some specialized assistance based on your circumstances…
Section 8 – Help for Specific Groups
Senior Citizens:
- Elder Shelter Plus Care Rental Assistance through LMHS – Subsidized housing for low-income seniors 62+ who lack adequate housing
- HUD Section 202 homes – Subsidized senior-only apartments with onsite support services
People with Disabilities:
- LMHA Non-Elderly Disabled Vouchers – Targeted Section 8 assistance for people with disabilities ages 18-61
- KHC funds development of affordable accessible apartments through the Targeting Program for Persons with Disabilities.
- Section 811 Supportive Housing – HUD-funded affordable, accessible apartments with services for people with significant disabilities
Veterans:
- VASH Voucher Program – Section 8 housing vouchers for homeless veterans, run jointly by VA Medical Center and LMHA
- Veterans Pension or Disability benefits – Can help offset housing costs
- Veterans Place provides emergency shelter and rapid re-housing services for vets
Victims of Domestic Violence:
- Center for Women and Families transitional housing – Up to 2 years of subsidized housing while getting back on feet
- Legal Aid Society – Free legal assistance obtaining emergency protective orders related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
- Rental and security deposit assistance programs through Kentuckiana organizations
- National Domestic Violence Hotline can connect with confidential emergency shelters anywhere in the country
Formerly Incarcerated:
- St. John Center for Homeless Men – Programs for ex-offenders including employment assistance
- Louisville Metro re-entry housing assistance – Help with deposits, rent, case management
- Dismas Charities halfway houses – Transitional supportive housing after incarceration
Ok, just a couple more sections to go…you‘ve got this!
Section 9 – Applying for Assistance
Here are my best tips for applying for and receiving rental assistance as quickly as possible:
- Gather documents like ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards, income verification ahead of time
- Get any doctor’s notes or records required to verify disability status
- Fill out all sections of applications completely and accurately to avoid delays
- Double check eligibility before applying – call to confirm if unsure
- Submit applications for multiple programs to maximize chances
- Follow-up frequently by phone or in-person to monitor status
- Look into waitlist preferences that may advance your spot
- Appeal any denial decisions promptly and fix any issues
- Work with a caseworker if possible for guidance through process
With some persistence and patience, you can get through the application process successfully! Let me know if any questions come up.
Section 10 – Alternatives to Reduce Housing Costs
If assistance isn‘t immediately available, try these tactics to lower housing expenses:
- Request a unit transfer to reduce rent in income-based housing
- Apply in areas with shorter wait times if you can be flexible on location
- Use roommate matching sites to lower costs by sharing units
- Rent a room rather than a full apartment
- Downsize to a smaller, cheaper apartment
- Negotiate with landlords for payment plans or reductions
- Take in a roommate to offset rental costs
- Relocate where rents are lower – you may be able to take your Section 8 voucher out of state
- Access food banks and financial support from charities/churches to free up income
- Trim discretionary spending and prioritize rent in budget
- Boost income through employment, benefits, child support, etc
- Take budgeting classes to hone money management skills
With some sacrifice and clever budgeting, you can find ways to cover rent even without direct housing assistance. Don‘t give up!
Section 11 – Recent Changes Impacting Rental Assistance
Some recent developments that may affect housing help availability:
- New emergency rental assistance funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan and other COVID-19 relief packages. Expanded eligibility and aid available.
- The federal eviction moratorium expired in July 2021 which may drive increased demand for rent help locally.
- Maximum voucher payment standards increased by up to 10% in 2021. Louisville Section 8 vouchers can now cover more rent.
- Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund capitalized with $1M annually for new affordable housing construction.
I‘d recommend staying up to date on the latest housing policies and funding resources opening up. Things are evolving quickly, and you want to take advantage of any new assistance options.
I know that was an overwhelming amount of information! But I want you equipped with a full picture of what‘s available so you can find the combination of programs that will work for you. My DMs are always open if any other questions come up. Wishing you the very best in your housing search – you got this!
