TOPEKA — Russell County residents will have access to part of a $100,000 grant to help families in northwest Kansas securing safe, affordable housing. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation announced Tuesday than 10 non-profits and public housing authorities statewide will receive approximately $1.1 million in Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA).

Northwest Kansas Planning and Development, which serves Russell County and Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Phillips, Smith, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Osborne, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego and Ellis counties, was awarded $100,000. The money is to be used to help income-eligible households with rental assistance, security deposits and utility deposits. For more information contact Loyce Schamberger by calling 785-421-2151

"A home provides a sense of safety and security, enriching the resident’s quality of life and creating strong neighborhoods where Kansas families can grow and share," said Carolyn Rebek, TBRA program manager. "This program assists families including those who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness."

Providing up to two years of rental subsidy assistance, the funds help income-eligible households obtain affordable rental housing in their communities. Rental assistance is based on the eligible tenant’s selection of a unit from all available rental units in the community that fall within rent guidelines and pass Housing Quality Inspection Standards. Households served may include those meeting agency preferences such as single parents, victims of domestic violence, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Households generally pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent.

Grant awards will begin Nov, 1.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is a public corporation that finances and develops affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents throughout Kansas.