Gov. Beshear: More Than $38.2 Million Reallocated To Further Fund Eviction Relief Efforts in Louisville
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 22, 2022) ? Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the reallocation of more than $38.2 million through Team Kentucky?s Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund to further support Louisville renters and landlords who are still impacted by the pandemic.
Since the program launched in February 2021, Gov. Beshear has directed over $92.2 million in funds to Louisville.
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. Additional details will be provided about how Louisville-area residents can access these funds.
?Helping those most in need is what we do on Team Kentucky,? Gov. Beshear said. ?As we enter the Christmas season, we must remember that for many Kentuckians securing housing is a struggle. In our high-population areas like Louisville, we know the pandemic made that even harder for so many families. These funds will go a long way to helping more of our stay in their homes.?
?These eviction prevention programs have been a lifeline for so many of our residents, and we look forward to using some of this new allocation from the state to fund that work, as well as other ongoing housing stability efforts. We have a need for more than 30,000 units of affordable housing in our community, and the bulk of this funding will go toward building those critical units,? said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. ?During the many ups and downs over these last two years, Gov. Beshear?s steady leadership has been a source of comfort to countless Kentuckians. On behalf of the residents of Louisville, I especially want to thank him for advocating for funding to help our most vulnerable residents keep a roof over their head.?
?Thank you, Gov. Beshear, for this important investment in Louisville,? Louisville Mayor-Elect Craig Greenberg said. ?At a time when rents are rising and some in our city are having to choose between feeding their families or being evicted, this is going to help more Louisvillians have a safe place to call home. We also look forward to continuing to work together to build more affordable housing.?
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. The Governor announced additional funding going to help Lexington residents on Monday.
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 and Jefferson counties 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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