Housing
Campus Housing
Emporia State offers a variety of living arrangements and services. If you want or need to learn more about on-campus housing options or are experiencing challenges with your on-campus living situation, email reslife@emporia.edu or call 620-341-5264.
Community Housing & Utility Assistance
East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN)
ECKAN builds connections and provides program services in East Central Kansas to support the stability, health, and engagement of low-income individuals and families. ECKAN is also the housing authority for Lyon County. Contact ECKAN at (620) 342-4607. Below are some example programs and services:
Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance: When funding is available, ECKAN provides rent and utility assistance to income-qualified individuals/families. Assistance can be obtained one time in a 12-month period.
Housing Choice Voucher program: The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is a federally subsidized program that contracts with private landlords to offer rental assistance to low-income families so they can obtain affordable, quality housing. The HCV program works directly from a waiting list, based on date and time of application.
Stepping Stones to Success Case Management Housing Project: This Housing Project is strength-based case management that will help households obtain safe and affordable housing and employment (or other monthly income). ECKAN will pay for lodging, rental deposit, first month's rent and utilities, and second month's rent and utilities as long as the participant makes progress in their goals (affordable housing and monthly income) and attend their appointments. The Housing Project varies from person to person but is typically a 2-3 month-long Case Management timeframe. This is a collaboration with United Way of the Flint Hills.
Rental Housing: ECKAN owns seven rental houses in Emporia, KS. Available houses are listed on the ECKAN website.
American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas
The regional chapter of the American Red Cross can provide financial assistance for short-term housing due to an emergency. Call 316-219-4000.
Catholic Charities Resource Bus
The Resource Bus comes to Lyon County once a month (second Wednesday of the month). They are available by appointment only. They provide assistance with rent and utilities. Call 913-433-4077.
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI)
HCCI provides HUD-approved counseling for budgeting, debt payment (including student loan repayment options), rental housing (tenant and landlord issues), credit reports and credit building, home buying. Training and financial literacy education programs are available.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
This is a federal summer/winter low income energy assistance program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per year benefit.
The Salvation Army, located at 327 Constitution St. in Emporia, provides rent and utility assistance to individuals. Call 620-342-3093 or contact through Facebook Messenger.
Shelters and Temporary Housing
The following are places to find temporary or transitional housing in and beyond Lyon County:
As of Jan. 1, 2022, Bloom House Youth Services will provide up to 21 days of shelter along with art therapy and case management services and basic needs to homeless, runaway, and other youth in need of a safe place for a time who are under 18. Bloom House will provide referrals to area resources, basic needs, and access to case management and art therapy to older youth 18-24 as well but cannot provide housing for 18-24 year olds at this time. However, Bloom House will connect youth 18-24 with area services who may be able to provide housing support. Contact on Facebook, by email (bloomhouseks@gmail.com) or by phone (620-392-3055).
This is a shelter for men 18 and older who are from Emporia and/or released from Lyon County Jail or released to the local parole office.
Family Promise of the Flint Hills
This service is for individuals with children who do not have secure housing.
This is an inclusive service for individuals and families currently experiencing or at risk for homelessness. It is located in the Kansas City area.
This organization’s shelter is offered to individuals of any gender or orientation experiencing domestic violence.
This is a residential home for women in crisis with a faith-based component.
RESOURCES BEYOND EMPORIA
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
HUD provides information about hotlines, locating public housing, shelters, and other resources on its website specific to Kansas and also searchable by state.