Bridge to Housing Stability program launching in Riley and Geary Counties MHA awarded grant to assist with KERA referrals
Manhattan Housing Authority is excited to launch its Bridge to Housing Stability (BHS) program in partnership with the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program administered by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).
The purpose of the BHS grant is to support programs within Kansas communities that work to prevent eviction and help ensure long-term housing stability. BHS applicants must be referred by the KERA program in order to receive additional homeless prevention and case management services.
This new program establishes three new full-time Case Managers and a part-time Peer Mentor position with the Manhattan Housing Authority.
The BHS program aims to leverage over $2 million in federal and state funding to rapidly rehouse and stabilize KERA approved residents experiencing homelessness related to a COVID hardship in Riley and Geary counties.
The initial phase of the program rollout is focused on the capacity building of new staff, training, technology updates, and general preparation to respond to a housing crisis. Additionally, BHS program staff will begin developing their resource networks and establishing positive relationships with property owners who are interested in being a bridge to housing stability partner.
The program is a Housing First Model with Strength-Based Case Management and will serve Riley and Geary County renters who have been approved at the state level for KERA assistance and are now facing eviction and homelessness.