KCDC secures 63 emergency housing vouchers to help stem homelessness in pandemic
By Scott Bird
July 15, 2021

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has been awarded 63 emergency housing vouchers to help prevent homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic with funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated additional emergency housing vouchers (EHVs) to public housing authorities in areas where populations have the greatest need while also considering housing authority capacity and the requirement to ensure geographic diversity, including rural areas.

“These vouchers will help KCDC get more people into housing who need it the most right now,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “The pairing of resources through HUD’s Continuum of Care (COC) programs with these EHVs will enable the delivery of rapid housing and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.”

The EHVs will help assist individuals and families who are homeless; recently homeless; at risk of homelessness; or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

KCDC’s Section 8 program is seeking additional landlords within Knoxville and Knox County to help provide affordable housing to lower-income families.

Benefits to landlords include a guaranteed rent subsidy via direct deposit on the first working day of each month; lower vacancy rates; criminal background checks on applicants; and inspections on units to identify any possible problems. For more information, visit www.kcdc.org/landlord or contact section8info@kcdc.org.

About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit www.kcdc.org.