Updates on the Housing Stabilization Program

Jonathan Wright, Program Manager of Lexington’s Housing Stabilization Program, presented an update on the program. The Housing Stabilization Program was created in September 2020 to provide residents rent and utility assistance during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its creation, it has dispersed $41.5 million in payments to Lexington residents.

The presentation will feature updates on what the program has achieved, and propose some changes for the program moving forward. Some of the big changes include:

• Money will only pay for rent; it will no longer pay for utilities;

• In order to be eligible, applicants must have an active eviction case pending in court;

• The program will now provide more social and legal services to assist applicants during their eviction case.

 You can view the presentation slides starting on page 27 of this packet.

Council was somewhat skeptical of the changes, as the new eligibility criteria greatly narrows the amount of eligible residents. Wright said that the goal in narrowing the eligibility was to be sure that the program’s remaining $15million was spent as efficiently as possible on the residents who were in immediate risk of eviction. Council took no action on the program. You can watch the meeting recording on LexTV.