Kentucky 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Kentucky. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211.
Official page: kentucky211.org/contact-211
Find Help Near You in Kentucky
Free, private help lines for Kentucky, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Kentucky who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local county DCBS office. They can point you to energy help and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Louisville, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services at 502 574 5000 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: kentucky211.org, louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call Legal Aid Network of Kentucky at 866 277 5733, and they can point you to legal aid for your area.
Official page: kyjustice.org, courts.ky.gov
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps households who qualify pay heating and cooling bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply. Funds can run low, so it helps to ask early.
Official page: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: kchr.ky.gov
How do I find my local county DCBS office?
Dial 211, or use the county finder on the CHFS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Kentucky
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local county DCBS office
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services has offices serving all 120 counties. They handle SNAP and other help, and can point you to local services. The kynect support center can help too.
Official page: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs
Kentucky LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying winter and summer heating and cooling bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies.
Official page: chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pdb/Pages/liheap.aspx
Legal Aid Network of Kentucky
Civil legal help across Kentucky for people who qualify, with problems like housing, family and benefits.
Official page: kyjustice.org
Kentucky Commission on Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: kchr.ky.gov
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Information for renters and homeowners in Kentucky, including affordable rental homes and housing programs.
Official page: kyhousing.org
Community Action Kentucky
Local community action agencies across Kentucky help with energy bills, emergency needs and job support. Find your local agency on the website.
Official page: capky.org
Louisville Metro Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Louisville.
Official page: lmha1.org
Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services
City programs for Louisville residents, including shelter, outreach and help to stay housed. In Louisville you can also call 311.
Official page: louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services
Legal Aid Society
Civil legal help for people who qualify in the Louisville area, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: yourlegalaid.org/frequently-asked-questions
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
Civil legal help for people who qualify in Lexington and Central Kentucky.
Official page: lablaw.org
Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission
Help and community referrals for people in Covington, Newport and Northern Kentucky.
Official page: nkycac.org
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Paducah
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could ask your local county DCBS office or 211 about energy help. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Bowling Green. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call your local county DCBS office or 211 and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for other local programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (county)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Kentucky
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.