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Household AssistanceOur Household Assistance program is aimed at those who, due to an unexpected crisis, need one-time, modest financial assistance to get back to financial self-sufficiency.
This program considers applications from those who:
- Can explain how this assistance will enable you to pay your bills in the immediate future
- Have a total household income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (see chart)
- Have received income within the past 60 days
- Live in Clay or Jackson County (no further east than Blue Springs, unless referred by another agency)
This program helps with the following needs:
Past-due Rent
Bishop Sullivan Center provides assistance with rent payment if you are at risk of losing your housing.
Please note:
- You will not be eligible if you have subsidized housing
- The lease must be in your name
- You must have lived at this residence and paid rent for at least six months
- You must have a letter of delinquency or eviction notice
- You must have paid on the bill within the last 90 days
- Assistance is only available once in a 24 month period
Past-due Utilities
Bishop Sullivan Center provides assistance with electricity, gas, and water bills if that utility is at risk of being shut off or has been shut off in the last 90 days.
Please note:
- You may apply for assistance with one utility
- The utility must be in your name
- You must have received a disconnect notice
- If your utility has been disconnected, it must have been shut off for less than 90 days
- You must have paid on the bill within the last 90 days
Other Assistance
If you are looking for one-time financial assistance that is not otherwise met by Bishop Sullivan Center’s other programs, you may apply for assistance with that need.
Before applying, make sure you have the following:
- Full names and birthdates for each member of your household
- Amount and sources of income for each member of your household
- Information regarding the bill or need you’re looking for assistance with
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for assistance?
All applications can be submitted online by clicking the button on this page that reads, “Apply for Assistance.” If you have questions or need help with the application, please call Bishop Sullivan Center at 816-231-0984.
How much financial assistance can you provide?
Our average amount is a few hundred dollars. Amounts depend on your unique situation.
After completing my application, when can I expect a response?
Depending on the volume of applications, we try to give you a response within 5-10 working days.
Why would my application be denied?
23 *Funds are limited. While waiting to hear from us, we urge you to continue making payments on your account/financial obligation and seek other assistance, as needed. Your application, along with all the other applications we receive, is reviewed by a grant committee.
REASONS FOR DENIAL:
- Financial need is greater than our agency is able to assist with.
- Your explanation for your need or for your plan for recovery was insufficient or undocumented.
- Your housing costs exceed 30-50% of household income (lack of affordable housing)
- Personal payment has not been made towards the utility or rent within the past 90 days (past due rent/utility assistance requests)
- Not living in residence and paying rent for 6 months (past due rent assistance requests)
- Have received assistance from Bishop Sullivan Center less than 24 months (rent) or 13 months (utility/other services)
- Have received numerous financial assists from other agencies in the past 12 months.
- Already receiving financial assistance through subsidized housing (past due rental assistance requests).
- Unable to reach you by phone/email to ask clarifying questions.
- Have reached the maximum amount of assistance that can be given at Bishop Sullivan Center. (Three times in the past 6 years.)
- No income in the past 60 days.
- Pay history taken in consideration.