Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $10 Million to Expand Housing for Elderly and Disabled Kansans

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $10 million has been awarded to nine recipients for the construction or renovation of housing for persons with disabilities and the elderly. Funding was made available through the ARPA Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE) program launched by Commerce earlier this year.

“Safe and accessible residential communities for elderly and disabled Kansans are necessary for living independently,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These awards will increase housing options that meet the needs of these communities.”

The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council to address housing issues faced by these high-need populations.

“All Kansans deserve quality housing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The ABODE awards will not only increase housing stock in communities across the state but will help improve the quality of life for thousands of deserving Kansans.”

ABODE applications included health and safety renovations to existing buildings or the construction of new multi-housing units that accommodate individuals who are elderly and/or disabled. Project design, engineering costs, and architectural designs were also permitted as eligible expenditures. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.

“These ABODE grants will help counteract rising housing costs and help ensure elderly and disabled Kansans have a safe and quality place to live,” Senate President Ty Masterson said.

“High-needs populations already were struggling with housing access and availability before COVID-19,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “The pandemic only intensified those issues. Using ARPA funding to help resolve them makes perfect sense.”  

The $9.8 million in ABODE grants awardees include:

• Cottonwood Falls Housing Authority, Cottonwood Falls, $1,000,000
• Derby Senior Living, Derby, $1,500,000
• Maple Gardens Village, Wichita, $1,190,000
• Menninger Clock Tower Apartments, Topeka, $637,500
• John’s Place Apartments, Victoria, $850,000
• Sunflower Flats, Manhattan, $1,500,000
• Villas at Pinnacle Pointe, Ottawa, $1,080,000
• Wiswell Farms Senior Villas, Spring Hill, $1,468,800
• WK Housing, Meade, $548,250

For more information about the program, click here.