The new partnership between the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) continues its push to eliminate houselessness and housing insecurity. The MHDC is providing $25 million in additional emergency rental assistance funding for KCMO residents struggling to pay their rent and/or utility bills.

“We really appreciate the efforts of Congressman (Emanuel) Cleaver in making this additional funding available” said Jennifer Tidwell, interim director of the city’s Housing and Community Development Department. “This additional funding provides help to families who need these resources to pay rent and utilities, especially this time of year.”

To date, the city has distributed nearly $16 million of allocated ERAP funding to nearly 3,600 households. This additional $25 million will be distributed as quickly as possible through the city’s service partner provider agencies, Tidwell said. Those needing assistance can visit the city’s website.

“When the city contacted us about the possibility of a partnership, we saw it as an opportunity to continue our coordinated and cooperative effort to deliver assistance funds to those in need,” said Kip Stetzler, MHDC Executive Director.  

The MDHC said the funding provided to the city does not replace assistance available through the state’s State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program. Those needing assistance can apply for those funds online.