Also included is an update on the Kansas Homeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) program, that provides mortgage and utility assistance to Kansans impacted by COVID-19 and information on how vulnerable communities can access free at-home COVID-19 tests. 

For the latest SPARK updates and information about resources available to Kansans, see the “Updates to Services and Support” section of this newsletter.  For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Office of Recovery website at: COVID.ks.gov  

The Office of Recovery sent out all Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) second tranche payments on June 9, 2022, and it should have been deposited within three business days. The amount being paid to each entity can be identified using this link, under the column titled “Total Tranche 2 Allocation”.  

As a reminder, if there is more than one bank account associated with the supplier record in the central accounting system for the State of Kansas, known as SMART, the bank account used is the same as the one used for the gas tax paid to each NEU on April 21, 2022. The gas tax payment is also referred to as “Special Highway Tax Dollars.” 

If an NEU has not yet received payment, please contact us by using the form in the CONTACT US section of the Office of Recovery website. 

Reporting

For reporting purposes, local governments will also want to ensure that each entity has an active SAM.gov  registration. For assistance on creating a SAM.gov account, SAM.gov Entity Registration and Entity Management provides a video tutorial on creating a registration. For entities that have an expired registration, the renewal process can be completed here. Should any technical assistance be needed please feel free to reach out to the Federal Help Desk directly at 866-606-8220, as the help desk will be best able to answer any questions. It should also be noted that creating and renewing a SAM.gov registration is a free process and any website or representative that attempts to charge a fee for this process should be treated as suspect.  

 

Funds Available to Kansas Homeowners Through KHAF Program 

The Kansas Homeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) program has available funds to provide past due mortgage and utility assistance to qualifying Kansas households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.   

The KHAF program has already helped several hundred households who have fallen behind on their mortgage or utilities payments.

One Kansan who received support through KHAF said, “Words cannot express how grateful we are! This will actually give us an opportunity to be back on track and get caught up. This is such a blessing to our family. Thank you for all your help.” 

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is encouraging banks, credit unions and mortgage lenders to get registered in the KHAF program and inform customers who may benefit from this program. A homeowner in need must apply, but applications can only be considered if the lender also participates by registering with the program. More information for lenders is online: KHAF Lenders.

The KHAF program provides past due:   

• Mortgage payments   
• Property taxes and charges   
• Utility, internet, and broadband fees   
• And more   

The KHAF program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The program will operate until the state’s $56.6 million KHAF allocation is fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that they receive assistance in a timely manner. Applicants may check the status of their application at any time by logging in to the KHAF portal.

Another family who received KHAF assistance said, “I received an email a week ago that we are able to receive the grant assistance! This is an unbelievable help for my wife and I as we just found out we are pregnant as well.” 

To qualify for assistance, applicants must:   

• Own their primary residence in Kansas;   
• Provide valid proof of identification;   
• Meet income guidelines;   
• Be at risk of losing their home; and   
• Experience a financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.  

Applications are accepted online, and assistance is paid directly to the lender or service provider. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $50,000 in mortgage assistance and up to $10,000 in property charge and utility assistance.  

To learn more and apply, visit https://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-homeowner-assistance-fund/ 

 

Free COVID-19 Tests Available for Kansans 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recently announced that it has partnered with The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital and Project Access to COVID Tests (Project ACT) to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests directly to Kansans in vulnerable communities. Kansas can now visit AccessCovidTests.org to check if they are eligible to receive free at-home tests. 

Frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting. By visiting AccessCovidTests.org, Kansans will be able to enter their zip code to see if free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available in their area. 

Kansans who need more support in ordering may call 866-534-3463. 

The Executive Committee will consider these panel recommendations before finalizing its own recommendations and presenting them to the State Finance Council, which has final authority on investment decisions. The committee has not yet met to finalize its recommendations. The Executive Committee’s next meeting will be available to livestream on the Kansas Legislature YouTube Page once scheduled. 

All previous Advisory Panel meeting materials and recordings can be found on our website: Advisory Panels Materials. SPARK Executive Committee meeting recordings and materials, including the recommendation materials presented by the Advisory Panels, are available at: SPARK Materials.