An overview of housing stability services in Lexington
In July 2nd’s Social Services and Public Safety Committee, LFUCG Housing Policy Advisor Jonathan Wright presented an overview of housing stability services in Lexington.
Housing stability services are targeted eviction prevention and diversion services that include court mediation between a landlord and tenant, case management for tenants in need of affordable housing, services for domestic violence victims in need of housing, and more; but most notably, housing stability services as defined by the federal government do not include rent payment assistance.
Current housing stability services include:
Mediation services, access to legal counsel in eviction cases, and housing counseling for tenants under the Lexington Housing Authority from Legal Aid of the Bluegrass;
Access to legal counsel in eviction cases, housing counseling, and educational resources around tenants’ rights from the Kentucky Equal Justice Center.
A chart of eviction cases filed in Lexington — these cases did not necessarily result in an eviction occurring. Source: July 2nd Social Services and Public Safety Committee Packet.
From 2021-2023, using federal money, Lexington operated the Housing Stabilization Program that offered court mediation services and financial assistance to pay rent and utility bills for tenants facing eviction.
After that money ran out in November 2023, Lexington funded two rental assistance programs targeted to specific populations:
First-month’s rent and security deposit payments on a new home for homeless families in FCPS. This program is a partnership with FCPS and Goodwill;
Up to $500 in back rent payments for seniors in Fayette County. This is continued funding for a program that has been offered by the Lexington Senior Center.
Lexington also receives federal funding through Community Block Development Grants to provide financial payments for application fees for households at 80% or below Area Median Income.
You can review the presentation slides starting on page 24 of this packet.
