Arnell Moore looked around the waiting area at a new Kansas City assistance clinic and saw a lot of people like him — “backed up on bills,” grateful finally to feel some relief.

“It’s just been rough,” the 47-year-old Kansas City hair stylist said. “That’s all I can say. It’s been rough.”

He was one of the thousands of Kansas Citians who have applied for federal pandemic funds to help pay for back-due rent and utility bills.

The new city clinic — available by appointment — brings together city staff, utility companies and other services to speed up what has been a complicated and backlogged process.

LINC has been helping process hundreds of applicants since spring and joined the many agencies on site, helping as the city’s clinic opened Sept. 17.

How to apply

• Go to: kcmo.gov/renthelp

• Or call: 816-513-4501

• Jackson County residents outside Kansas City can go to jacksoncountyerap.org.

“I’m glad people are reaching out,” said Moore, who was laid off in March 2020. “Some people do not know where they’re going to eat tomorrow. Some people don’t know where they’re going to sleep.”

The federal dollars, distributed through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program as part of the American Rescue Act, portioned $10 million in aid to Kansas City in its first distribution, and another $11.7 million will be available in the second round this fall.

Distributing the dollars was difficult, as many who would qualify did not know about the aid, and many who did could not navigate the online process or properly upload the many required documents.

But Kansas City has distributed some 75% of the first round of funds, and with the additional round to come, some $14 million is still available.

The city wants everyone’s help in spreading the word to get more households to apply.

“We need to get the message out that you are not alone,” 3rd District City Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said. “A lot of people are in this situation for the very first time.”

The city’s Department of Housing and Community Development teamed up with utility companies and community organizations like LINC to create this “one-stop” shop “to give really easy access to people.”

More clinics are coming, by appointment, and the city is providing eligibility information and taking appointments at kcmo.gov/renthelp. Residents can also call (816) 513-4501 to schedule an appointment.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 20, the center is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; and 1-4 p.m. It will also be open Thursdays from 1-6 p.m.

To process an application requires several documents:

• Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)

• Proof of Residency

• Proof of Income (pay stub, W-2 forms, 2020 tax return)

• Documentation of Need

Gathering all these materials and uploading them has been a problem and one of the major hindrances to getting people aid, said LINC’s Rene Jones, who has been helping get households signed up.

“Families need access to clean, running water, electricity and housing stability,” Jones said. “Technology access should not be a barrier.”

LINC’s team has helped process more than $800,000 in assistance for more than 550 households.

A host of Kansas City organizations working with the city and the Mid-America Assistance Coalition have so far processed some $7.6 million in aid to nearly 2,400 households.

But there are many more households in need that would qualify for help, and many more dollars to help.

That’s why, Robinson said, “we want everyone to spread the word.”

By Joe Robertson/LINC Writer