Bert Nash, Housing Authority receive funds for rental assistance program to help those with serious mental illness

The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority have received an award of $110,000 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for continuation of the Community Support Services HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance program. The funds will be administered by the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority and are available December 1st.

A collaboration between the Bert Nash Center and the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, the Community Support Services HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance program provides subsidies for low-income persons with serious and persistent mental illness renting in Lawrence and throughout Douglas County.

Beginning in 1993, rental subsidy awards totaling $1,700,444 have helped more than 312 households, all of which had one or more member with a diagnosed serious and persistent mental illness. Nearly half of these households were homeless at the time they received their assistance.

It is estimated the current award will assist an additional 15 to 20 families over a period of two years. The awarded funds can be used only for rent subsidy to private landlords on behalf of eligible Community Support Service clients. Persons interested in this housing program are encouraged to contact Carla Helm, supportive housing coordinator for the Bert Nash Center, 785-843-9192, or Charlotte Knoche, director of housing assistance for the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority, 785-842-8110.