The City’s new permitting and licensing software, Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL) is now live.
The City of Lawrence strives to create a community where all enjoy life and feel at home.
In order to advance the health, safety, and welfare of all residents, it is our goal that all persons in the community have access to safe, affordable housing and the supportive services necessary to maintain independent living with dignity.
WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
Affordable housing is housing that a household can pay for, while still having money left over for other necessities like food, transportation, and health care.
The federal government defines housing as affordable when it consumes no more than 30% of a household’s income. Therefore, what’s considered “affordable” depends on a household’s income.
Unfortunately, a growing share of the population cannot afford its housing costs. Locally, almost half (49%) of all renters and 16% of homeowners are “housing insecure”, meaning they are cost burdened from their housing.
The lowest-income households are the most likely to be severely cost burdened, but even moderate income earners in Lawrence struggle to find affordable housing.
The City of Lawrence is committed to increasing affordable housing so that every member of our community has the stability and dignity of a safe and healthy place to call home.
OUR PLAN TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In 2024, the The City of Lawrence adopted a county-wide plan to end chronic homelessness and increase affordable housing. Click here to review our plan, A Place for Everyone.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND
The Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) oversees the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and makes recommendations to the City Commission on tools and strategies to increase access to safe, quality, affordable housing and supportive services necessary to maintain independent living with dignity.
- Click here for our Trust Fund Projects Dashboard to follow our progress
- Learn more about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES
The City of Lawrence partners with local affordable housing developers and providers to serve Lawrence residents. For assistance with finding affordable housing or for housing assistance, please contact the organizations listed below.
For more help navigating housing or finding other community resources, please go to 211.org
Affordable Rentals:
Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority
Affordable rentals for general housing, seniors, veterans, transitional housing, and housing vouchers
Tenants to Homeowners
Affordable rentals, Affordable homeownership, and home repair
Bethel Estates
Affordable senior rental housing
Poehler Lofts
Affordable rentals
Penn St. Lofts
Affordable rentals
9Del Lofts
Affordable rentals
Union at the Loop
Affordable rentals
Affordable Homeownership:
Lawrence Habitat for Humanity
Affordable homeownership and home repair
Tenants to Homeowners
Affordable rentals, Affordable homeownership, and home repair
Housing Assistance:
Catholic Charities
Rental and utility assistance, housing and resource navigation
EKAN
Home weatherization for low-income households
Housing Stabilization Collaborative
Rental and utility assistance
Housing and Credit Counseling
First time homebuyer assistance, housing and resource navigation, tenant/landlord rights information
Independence, Inc.
Home accessibility modifications for low-income persons with disabilities
Family Promise
Rental and utility assistance, housing and resource navigation, transitional housing
Senior Resource Center for Douglas County
Home accessibility modifications and repairs for low-income seniors
Tenant Resources:
Kansas Legal Services
Legal assistance and resources related to landlord-tenant issues, including eviction and tenant rights information. KLS offers free online legal forms to help low-income Kansans navigate legal issues, including those related to landlord-tenant dispute.
Kansas Holistic Defenders
Through the Kansas Judicial Access to Justice Grant, Kansas Holistic Defenders offers civil legal services focusing on eviction and tenant/landlord cases in Douglas County.
Douglas County District Court Self-Help Eviction Resolution Program
The Eviction Resolution Program gives landlords and tenants information over the eviction court process, access to forms, and connections to resources in the community.
Lawrence Tenants
Lawrence Tenants believes in a future where tenants own and operate their own housing—without profit as the goal. Lawrence Tenants works alongside other tenants to make this vision a reality by growing membership of the union; developing tenant associations by neighborhood or building; helping tenants solve problems one-on-one; and, providing educational resources on local housing issues. Their mission is to make housing affordable and accessible for everyone. For help or more information, contact Lawrence Tenants at lawrencetenants.org or call 913-585-5172.
Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
A brochure developed by the City of Lawrence Human Relations Division on landlord and tenant rights, including information on what to do if rights or duties are violated.
Fair Housing:
Lawrence Human Relations Division
The Human Relations Division of the City of Lawrence is a civil rights enforcement agency. It investigates complaints from persons alleging they have been discriminated against in employment, housing, or public accommodations.
Learn more about enforcement of fair housing laws, and how to file a complaint.
For more information, or to get involved, contact Lea Roselyn, Affordable Housing Administrator:LRoselyn@lawrenceks.gov