Grant For Felons in Kansas
In Kansas, various grants are available to support felons’ reintegration into society. According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, approximately $2.5 million in grants is allocated annually to support reentry programs. The Kansas Recentry Grant Program provides up to $3,000 per individual for education, job training, second chance apartments, and employment assistance. Since 2015, the Federal Second Chance Act Grant has awarded Kansas over $5 million to support reentry initiatives.
These grants have contributed to a recidivism rate reduction of 25% in Kansas, with approximately 70% of grant recipients finding employment within six months of release. Additionally, the Kansas Legislature has approved funding for the Kansas Reentry Program, which provides supportive services, including housing assistance, mental health treatment, and substance abuse treatment, to help felons rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
What Housing Grants are Available for Felons in Kansas?
These programs and grants aim to assist felons in Kansas with stable and affordable housing solutions, helping them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
1. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The ESG program provides funding for emergency shelters, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing. Eligible individuals, including felons, can receive assistance for rent, utilities, and deposits. Grant amounts vary by need, with support typically up to $3,000 per household.
- Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) Homeowner Assistance Fund
This fund assists low-income homeowners facing foreclosure or housing instability. Felons who own homes can receive up to $35,000 per household for mortgage payments, property taxes, or utility bills.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Administered by local housing authorities, this program helps low-income individuals, including felons, pay for private rental housing. It covers a portion of rent, with amounts based on household income and local housing costs, often ranging from $500 to $1,500 per month.
- Transitional Housing Assistance
Various non-profits in Kansas provide transitional housing for felons reentering society. These programs offer temporary accommodations and support services. While grants may not be direct, services worth $2,000 to $10,000 are often provided.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The WAP helps improve energy efficiency in homes for low-income individuals, including felons. This reduces utility costs and ensures safe housing conditions. Grants cover up to $7,500 for insulation, HVAC repairs, and related improvements.
- Continuum of Care (CoC) Program
The CoC program supports felons at risk of homelessness by providing permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing. Grants vary based on needs and availability, with assistance often ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per participant.
- Public Housing Program
Operated by local housing authorities, this program offers affordable rental units to low-income individuals, including felons. While this is not a direct cash grant, it provides housing at reduced rent, typically covering 50-70% of monthly costs.
- Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504)
For felons in rural Kansas, this USDA program offers grants up to $10,000 for home repairs to address safety hazards or make necessary upgrades.
- Kansas Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
CAAs provide short-term housing assistance and emergency funds to help felons avoid eviction or secure new housing. Financial aid varies but typically ranges from $500 to $2,000.
What are the Educational Grants for Felons in Kansas?
| Grant/Program | Description | Grant Amount |
|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Provides financial aid for low-income students, including felons, to pursue higher education. | Up to $7,395 per year |
| Kansas Comprehensive Grant (KCG) | Offers need-based aid to eligible students attending private colleges or universities in Kansas. | Up to $3,500 per year |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) | Offers additional aid to Pell Grant recipients with the greatest financial need. | Up to $4,000 per year |
| Second Chance Pell Grant | Special initiative providing Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals or recently released felons pursuing education. | Up to $7,395 per year |
| Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant | Supports students pursuing technical programs at Kansas community colleges and technical schools. | Up to $1,000 per semester |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) | Provides funding for job training and education for individuals with barriers to employment, including felons. | Varies; typically $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Kansas Adult Education Scholarships | Offers grants to adults, including felons, for GED preparation or adult education courses. | Varies by program; often free |
| Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) | Provides training and education grants for workers, including felons, impacted by job losses due to foreign trade. | Covers full program cost |
| Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services | Offers financial support for education or job training to individuals with disabilities, including eligible felons. | Up to $10,000 for training-related costs |
| Kansas Foster Child Educational Assistance Act | Provides free tuition at Kansas public colleges for former foster youth, including those with felonies. | Full tuition coverage |
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What are the Govt Hardship Grants For Seniors Felons in Kansas?
There’s a list of government hardship grants available for seniors and felons in Kansas. Each of these programs aims to reduce financial burdens and support basic needs for seniors and felons in Kansas.
1. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
LIEAP helps low-income households, including seniors and felons, manage heating costs during the winter. Eligibility is income-based, and payments range from $200 to $1,000, depending on household size and energy needs.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This program provides monthly food assistance to eligible individuals and families. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, with monthly amounts averaging $192 per individual or higher for larger households.
- Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program offers financial aid for rent and utilities to prevent evictions. Grants can cover up to 12 months of back rent and utilities, with amounts varying based on need.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families, including those led by seniors or felons, for basic living expenses. Payments vary by family size, with a maximum of approximately $497 per month for a family of three.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP helps improve energy efficiency in homes, reducing heating and cooling costs. Grants cover up to $7,500 for energy-efficient repairs, such as insulation and heating system upgrades.
- Medicaid and Medicare Assistance
Seniors and eligible felons can receive health coverage through Medicaid or Medicare. While Medicaid covers medical costs for low-income individuals, Medicare helps seniors aged 65+ with healthcare expenses. These programs do not provide direct cash but significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Seniors or felons unable to work due to disabilities can qualify for SSDI or SSI. Monthly payments range from $800 to $1,800, depending on earnings history and need.
- Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) Homeowner Assistance Fund
This program offers grants to help with mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities for homeowners facing financial hardships. Grants can provide up to $35,000 per household.
- Lifeline Program
Lifeline helps low-income individuals, including seniors and felons, with reduced costs for phone and internet services. Benefits include discounts of up to $9.25 per month for eligible participants.
- Kansas Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
CAAs provide emergency funds for food, housing, transportation, and job assistance. The grant amounts vary, typically offering $500 to $2,000 depending on the assistance required.
What are the Medical Bill Assistance Programs for Ex-Convicted Felons in Kansas?
Here are medical bill assistance programs available for ex-convicted felons in Kansas:
1. Medicaid (KanCare)
Kansas Medicaid, known as KanCare, offers comprehensive healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including ex-convicted felons. It covers medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Coverage is free or low-cost based on income.
- Health Insurance Marketplace Subsidies
Felons can access subsidized health insurance through the federal marketplace. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions significantly reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses. Savings vary but can lower costs by 50% or more depending on income.
- Hill-Burton Free or Reduced-Cost Care
Participating hospitals and clinics in Kansas provide free or low-cost medical care to individuals in need, including ex-convicted felons. Assistance is based on income and medical expenses, covering services such as surgery, diagnostics, and emergency care.
- Community Health Clinics
Kansas has federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and free clinics that provide discounted medical care for uninsured or low-income individuals, including felons. Fees are determined on a sliding scale, often resulting in reduced costs by 70-90%.
- Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA)
EMA offers short-term Medicaid benefits for non-citizens or those not regularly eligible for Medicaid. It covers emergency medical services, including hospital treatment and urgent care, for ex-convicted felons facing critical health conditions.
- Kansas AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
This program helps individuals, including felons, living with HIV/AIDS afford essential medications. The program covers the cost of antiretroviral drugs, labs, and other treatments, valued at thousands of dollars annually.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) offers free or low-cost mental health and substance abuse treatment through community mental health centers (CMHCs). Felons can access counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation programs.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Benefits
Ex-convicted felons who are veterans may qualify for VA healthcare services, covering medical bills, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment. Services are free or low-cost depending on discharge status and income.
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Many drug manufacturers offer PAPs to provide free or discounted medications to low-income individuals, including felons. Savings vary, with medications often offered at up to 80% off retail prices.
- Medical Debt Relief Programs
Organizations like RIP Medical Debt and local Kansas charities assist in reducing or eliminating medical debts for low-income individuals, including felons. These programs can cancel debts ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 based on eligibility.
What Are the Government Grants for Felons to Start a Business in Kansas?
Here are government grants and funding opportunities available for felons in Kansas to start a business, with brief explanations and potential grant amounts:
- Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) Grants
KSBDC provides resources, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, including felons. While direct grants are limited, they connect individuals to programs offering startup funding, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Administered by local Kansas governments, CDBG funds support small businesses in low-income areas. Felons can apply for grants to start or expand businesses, with awards typically up to $50,000, depending on the project and community impact.
- Microloan Programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
While not a direct grant, SBA microloans provide up to $50,000 in low-interest loans to entrepreneurs, including felons. Many local SBA partners in Kansas also offer training and support to ensure business success.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Business Grants
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) offers grants to individuals with barriers to employment, including felons, to start businesses as part of vocational rehabilitation. Awards vary but can go up to $10,000 for eligible candidates.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Grants
During economic crises, felons who meet eligibility criteria may apply for disaster-related business assistance. Grants under the EIDL Advance program can provide up to $10,000 for business startups or operations.
- Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
For felons starting businesses in rural Kansas, the USDA offers RBDG funding. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 to support rural entrepreneurship and small business growth.
- Amber Grant for Women
Felons who are women entrepreneurs can apply for this private grant. Monthly winners receive $10,000, with a chance to win an additional $25,000 annual prize. While not government-funded, it is a reliable source for small business funding.
- State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grants
The Kansas Department of Commerce offers STEP grants to businesses, including those owned by felons, seeking to expand into international markets. Awards vary, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, for eligible export-related activities.
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants
Felons who identify as minorities can apply for MBDA funding to support their entrepreneurial goals. Grants often range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the program and business type.
Conclusion
Grants for felons in Kansas provide a vital opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives and pursue a brighter future. From housing assistance to education, business start-up support, and medical bill aid, these programs address diverse needs, helping to reduce barriers and promote reintegration into society. By leveraging these resources, felons in Kansas can access financial relief, acquire new skills, secure stable housing, and embark on entrepreneurial or educational journeys. These grants not only empower individuals but also contribute to stronger communities by fostering self-sufficiency and economic growth. Felons are encouraged to explore these opportunities and take proactive steps toward achieving their goals.
