Mainstream Resources

In Kansas, “mainstream resources” refer to a variety of federal, state, and local programs that provide essential services and benefits to low-income individuals and families, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These resources are not specifically targeted at homelessness but are accessible to a broader population, including those in need. Here are some key mainstream resources available in Kansas:

Housing and Utility Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. If you have questions about an application you’ve submitted, you can call 1.888.369.4777.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), this program provides rental assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Income Support and Employment Services

Successful Families Program – TANF – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov) The Successful Families Program offers employment services and support services to low-income families. That support may include cash assistance.  The family is defined as including a child who may be living with a parent, relative, or person named by a court to take care of the child, such as a guardian, conservator, or custodian. Certain eligibility requirements for participation are identified below.

Food Assistance – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov):The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides qualifying low-income households with food benefits, access to a healthy diet and education on food preparation and nutrition. In Kansas, the program is known as the Food Assistance Program.

Summer EBT – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov): Also known as SUN Bucks in some other states, is a new program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get Summer EBT can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving Summer EBT will not affect children or families’ immigration status.

Kansas Works: A web-based job-matching and labor market information system designed to help job seekers, employers, and training providers in Kansas. It offers a variety of tools to support activities such as job searching, resume building, and accessing training programs.

    Health and Medical Services

    KanCare | Home (ks.gov): KanCare provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

    Kancare (SCHIP) | Benefits.gov: CHIP provides low-cost comprehensive health coverage to children, and sometimes pregnant women, for families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

    Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): community-based nonprofit or public organizations that provide services in situations where health care is difficult to access, such as for persons without insurance and/or living in rural and underserved areas. FQHCs utilize a sliding fee scale and receive federal grant funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. FQHC Look Alikes must meet all of the requirements of a health center; however, they do not receive any federal funding.

    Community Mental Health Centers (ks.gov): Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) are charged by statute with providing the community-based public mental health services safety net. In addition to providing the full range of outpatient clinical services, Kansas’s 26 CMHCs provide comprehensive mental health rehabilitation services, such as psychosocial rehabilitation, community psychiatric support and treatment, peer support, case management and attendant care. Rehabilitation services have been proven to be key factors in supporting adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and children/youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) in their recovery.

      Social and Support Services

      Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA: SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.

      Disability | SSA: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.

      Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ks.gov): ADRCs provide information, assistance, and referrals for older adults and people with disabilities.

      Family and Community Support Services: The Kansas Community Action Association lists local community action agencies that provide various support services like food, clothing, and case management.

      Education and Childcare Programs

      Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start(EHS) – Economic & Employment Services (ks.gov): These programs provide early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families.

      Kansas Department for Children and Families Child Care Assistance Program – (childcareinkansas.com): This program offers financial assistance for childcare to eligible low-income working families.

      Legal and Advocacy Services

      Kansas Legal Services: Provides free or low-cost legal assistance to low-income individuals on issues such as housing, domestic violence, and other civil matters.