City looking to expedite assistance for tenants in need

Abby Hoover
Managing Editor


The Kansas City Emergency Rental Assistance Center (KCERAC) opened on Friday, Sept. 17. The new center will help tenants in need by expediting distribution of Federal Emergency Relief Act Program funding.


For those who need help applying for emergency rent and utility assistance, they’ll find it at the Housing and Community Development Department offices at 4400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (formerly 4400 Blue Parkway).


Since Aug. 30, 2021, Kansas City has distributed nearly 75%, $10,219,701, in federal funding, earning recognition from the National Low Income Housing Coalition as an overall leader nationwide in Emergency Rental Assistance Program fund distribution. Nearly 2,400 households have received an average of $4,249 in assistance.


“The biggest challenge, issue, we have in processing applications is incorrect or insufficient information, so this will help us process the applications faster and get the money out faster to those who need it most,” said Jennifer Tidwell, interim director of the Housing and Community Development Department. “The Housing Department would like to thank all of our community partners for their exceptional work in assisting KCMO residents.”


The KCERAC was open by appointment only on September 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Beginning Monday, Sept. 20, the center is open by appointment only on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; and 1-4 p.m. On Thursdays it will be open from 1-6 p.m.


Residents who need assistance must call (816) 513-4501 to schedule an appointment and COVID-19 restrictions apply, so all visitors must wear a mask. Please bring identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.), proof of residency, proof of income (pay stub, W-2 forms, 2020 tax return), and documentation of need.


There also will be opportunities for residents to learn more about the application process directly. There are three Saturday information sessions at Manual Career Technical High School, 1215 E. Truman Rd. The sessions run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 25, when Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II will be there to kick off the Saturday Center from 11-11:15 a.m., and then October 2 and 9.