Gov. Beshear: Nearly $15.8 Million Reallocated To Further Fund Eviction Relief Efforts in Lexington
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Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2022) ? Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the reallocation of nearly $15.8 million through Team Kentucky?s Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund to further support Lexington homeowners, renters and landlords who are still impacted by the pandemic.
Since the program launched in February 2021, Gov. Beshear has now directed over $46 million in funds to Lexington.
Those who qualify can receive up to 15 months of rent assistance, including up to 12 months of back rent and up to three months of future rent. Lexington area residents can apply for assistance through the Fayette County program at covid19renterhelp.org.
?Once again, we are showing that Team Kentucky spirit by helping those most in need,? Gov. Beshear said. ?Especially as we enter the holiday season, it?s important to remember that for many Kentuckians maintaining stable housing is a struggle. We know the pandemic made that even harder for so many of our neighbors, especially in our high-population areas like Lexington. This move will help dozens and dozens of families stay in their homes.?
?Thank you to Gov. Beshear,? Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said. ?The state has now provided over $46 million to help Lexington residents stay in their homes. One in every 12 renters in Lexington has been helped by this program. We will focus this additional funding on residents with the greatest risk of housing instability.?
Team Kentucky initially received $264 million in federal funding for its 118-county eviction relief program, and Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government and Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government each received funding to run local programs. The federal funding formula gave Lexington and Louisville fewer funds than anticipated, and the mayors of both cities asked the Governor for Team Kentucky funds to help them continue running their local programs. Another announcement regarding Louisville?s program is planned for this Thursday as part of the Governor?s Team Kentucky update.
To date, Team Kentucky has assisted more than 50,800 households and issued more than 69,000 individual payments. Through these programs, Team Kentucky has provided more than $196.9 million in rental assistance payments and $23 million to help with utilities and internet costs.
Renters and landlords outside of Fayette County can view a complete list of requirements and apply for rental assistance through teamkyhherf.ky.gov.
Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund
In addition to aid for renters, Gov. Beshear announced that, thanks to $85.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the commonwealth launched the Team Kentucky Homeowner Assistance Fund. Qualified homeowners can visit teamkyhaf.ky.gov to apply for up to $60,000 in assistance to help with delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner?s and/or flood insurance, homeowners? association fees and utility costs. If approved, the funds will be paid as a grant directly to mortgage servicers, utility companies, county property tax administrators, insurance agencies or homeowners? associations. To date, Team Kentucky has distributed more than $14 million in support.
To further help all Kentuckians combat rising prices due to inflation brought on by the global pandemic, Gov. Beshear announced in February that he is providing immediate vehicle property tax relief by holding vehicle values at 2021 levels through 2023, which is estimated to save Kentucky vehicle owners more than $370 million in vehicle property taxes. As a result, vehicle owners will pay the same amount in tax in 2022 and 2023 as they paid in 2021, provided they own the same vehicle, it is in similar condition, and they continue to live in the same county.
Kentucky can find more ways to save by clicking here.
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