To be eligible for Safe Havens, persons must meet specific criteria for one of the two programs.

 Safe Place

• Must have a persistent and severe mental illness
• Must be receiving SSI for a mental health concern or be willing to apply for SSI for a mental health problem
• Must meet the HUD Definition of Homelessness
• Must be at or below 60% of area median income

Safe Start

• May be a domestic violence victim (or)
• May be a homeless family with children in custody
• Must meet the HUD Definition of Homelessness
• Must be at or below 60% of area median income

Case management agencies across the state can refer eligible participants to the Safe Haven Initiative.  Once eligible participants are referred to Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and they will issue a temporary voucher for the participant.  KHC’s collaborates with the case management agency to brief the participant on their responsibilities with the temporary voucher.  

Safe Haven participants agree to participate in case management for a period of time determined by KHC.  KHC and the case management agency will work to identify other housing options for clients, such as a housing choice voucher, market renter, or homeownership.    

Safe Haven participants will receive opportunities to participate in activities to help them move to self-sufficiency.  Some of these activities include the following:

• Job readiness
• Short-term training
• Job placement
• Financial counseling
• Parenting classes
• Nutrition classes
• Post-secondary education
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
• Family Self-Sufficiency Accounts

To find a Case Management Agency, please visit our website at www.kyhousing.org, click on "Rental", select "Safe Havens" and "Safe Haven Contact List by Agency" or you can simply click on the link provided below.  If you have further questions regardin Safe Havens, please contact one of the following KHC representatives for assistance; Keli Reynolds toll-free at 800-633-8896, extension 376; Mike Townsend at extension 715 or Matt Mulberry at extension 479.