County seeks $20,000 for housing financial-education pilot as HUD NOFO work continues

Kristen Egan, program manager for Douglas County Housing and Human Services, outlined a request for continued funding of a financial education and coaching pilot designed to support households that repeatedly seek rent or utility assistance. The county originally requested $10,000 for one cohort; staff clarified during the hearing that the correct ongoing request is $20,000 to fund two cohorts in 2027.

Egan said the program partners with a nonprofit identified through Amethyst Place and that early results from the first cohort (five in-person sessions plus required one-on-one coaching) will be evaluated before expanding. She said the HSC (Housing Stabilization Collaborative) uses partner agencies to provide follow-up at one, six and 12 months and to connect households to additional services when needed.

Jill Dudley said the county had requested $10,000 from the community foundation but received "a quarter of it"; in the hearing transcript staff stated that amount as $2,250. County staff said they will provide follow-up materials and additional data, including a breakdown of where funded applicants live; they noted most funded applicants have been in Lawrence and that only a small number were funded outside the city in recent months.

On larger housing efforts, Dudley said the county plans to reapply for HUD permanent supportive housing funding and has a $321,000 line in the 2027 budget as the amount the county hopes to secure. She cautioned that a pending lawsuit could delay the NOFO timeline and awards; staff said they are preparing applications now and will continue to pursue the funding even if awards shift to later years.

Commissioners requested additional detail on program outcomes and whether external financial counseling providers were considered; staff said they had sought partners and will return with program feedback and any relevant comparisons to other providers.