Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, offers a range of supportive housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness, those facing housing insecurity, and individuals with physical or mental health challenges. These housing options receive support through a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources as well as through collaborations with community-based organizations. The supportive housing options encompass a broad range of services based on individual needs such as assistance with independent living skills, employment support, and case management, among others.
One of the key supportive housing options in Louisville is permanent supportive housing. This type of housing is mainly targeted towards individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It features long-term support including mental health services, substance abuse treatment and employment assistance. The primary funding for this type of housing comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through a program known as the Continuum of Care (CoC) program. The funds from the CoC program are then managed and distributed by the Louisville Metro Government and local non-profit organizations.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, funded by the federal government and administered locally by the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, is another key supportive housing option. This program provides vouchers to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled. These vouchers can then be used to lease privately-owned housing units that meet the program’s quality and safety standards.
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is a federal program that incentivizes private developers to create affordable housing. In Louisville, this program is administered through the Kentucky Housing Corporation and has led to the development of multiple affordable housing projects across the city.
Public housing, managed by the Louisville Metro Housing Authority, provides affordable rental housing for eligible low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from single-family houses to high-rise apartments. The rent is subsidized by the federal government through HUD based on the resident's income.
In Louisville, transitional housing programs offer temporary housing along with supportive services to individuals and families facing homelessness. The goal is to help these individuals achieve independence and secure permanent housing. The funding for transitional housing programs comes from a combination of federal (HUD's Transitional Housing Program), state and local resources as well as private donations.
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs, aims to aid Veterans and their families who are on the verge of becoming homeless or who have become homeless. The program provides various supportive services such as case management, assistance with obtaining VA and other public benefits, and temporary financial assistance for rent, utilities, and deposits.
Additionally, various non-profit organizations contribute towards the provision of supportive housing in Louisville. Organizations like Family Scholar House, Wellspring, and St Vincent de Paul Louisville provide housing support combined with a range of services from case management to job training programs. Their services target specific populations such as single parents, those experiencing mental health issues, and veterans. They frequently operate via donations, grants, and volunteers, ensuring that their services are accessible to the residents who need them most.
