Kentucky Fair Housing Council

06/08/2026

Summer 2026 SEBT is Here!! Apply Today!

The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT) program helps eligible students access nutritious food when school is out. Each eligible student will receive a one-time benefit of $120 to purchase nutritious food throughout the summer.

Students aged 6-17 as of August 1, 2025, who have received SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care for at least one month since July 1, 2025, were automatically approved and should have already received SEBT benefits on the household’s EBT card.

If your student is not considered automatically eligible, please submit an application by August 15, 2026, to https://kysebt.ky.gov. Additionally, individuals may access the application through kynect at https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pages/sebt.asp or visit your local office to request a paper SEBT application.

Need help? Visit our website at https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/pages/sebt.aspx for additional information, QRGs and FAQs. You can also call 855-306-8959 or visit your local Department of Community Based Services office.

05/28/2026

Did you know Kentucky law protects your right to request an assistance animal in housing, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)? 🐾

Under KRS 383.085, housing providers must consider reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals for people with disabilities. This includes both trained service animals and Emotional Support Animals that help alleviate symptoms or effects of a disability.

A few important things to know:
✔️ Assistance animals are not considered pets under fair housing law
✔️ Landlords cannot charge pet fees, pet rent, or pet deposits for assistance animals
✔️ Housing providers cannot deny an assistance animal simply because of breed, size, or a “no pets” policy
✔️ You may be asked to provide reliable documentation from a legitimate healthcare provider with whom you have a therapeutic relationship if your disability-related need for the animal is not obvious
✔️ Tenants are still responsible for any damage caused by the animal

If you believe your housing rights have been violated because of an assistance animal request, you may have protections under the Fair Housing Act and Kentucky law.

05/20/2026

Many of our neighbors have experienced housing discrimination. A lot of times Landlord Tenant Laws can be confusing, which is why we have partnered with KY Fair Housing to host a Know Your Rights Workshop tomorrow. Please join us if you can!

05/19/2026

ENDS FRIDAY! If your household is up to or under 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible for a one-time electric assistance benefit. Funds are first come, first serve... so check with your local Community Action office for availability: capky.org/network

05/11/2026

Even if you don't qualify for , help with your cooling bills may still be available. Visit the new utility support hub at kynect.ky.gov/resources to find a list of services and support near you for things like housing, gas, electric, water, and more!

05/07/2026

It’s that time again. Nathaniel Mission is hosting our Second Chance Job Fair in collaboration with Lexington Rescue Mission and Jubilee Jobs.

May 28th
Resume assistance begins at 10 AM
Meet employers, connect with community partners, and participate in interviews from 11 AM–1 PM, located at 1109 Versailles Rd Suite 100.

If you, or someone you know, require support in becoming job-ready, whether it be resume development, interview practice, or confidence building, we are here to help. Our approach is pressure-free and supportive. We understand that seeking employment can be intimidating, and you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

05/04/2026

The U.S. Department of Justice has secured a $510,000 settlement in another Kentucky housing case involving egregious s*xual harassment by a landlord.

According to the complaint, women tenants were subjected to repeated and unwelcome s*xual advances, coercion, and retaliation when they refused. This kind of abuse is not only unacceptable, it is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act.

This settlement includes significant compensation for survivors and permanently bars the landlord from managing rental properties, helping ensure this harm is not repeated.

At the Kentucky Fair Housing Council, we see firsthand how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward, especially when their housing is at risk. This case is an important reminder that the law is on tenants’ side, and accountability is possible.

We commend the U.S. Department of Justice for its continued enforcement of fair housing protections and for standing with survivors.

Sexual harassment in housing is illegal. If you or someone you know is experiencing discrimination in their housing, contact us.

The Justice Department announced today that Joseph E. Johnson, the owner and manager of residential rental properties in Lexington, Kentucky, agreed to pay $510,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that he s*xually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

04/29/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Porter G. Peeples, a dedicated civil servant, community leader, and former president of the Urban League of Lexington.

Mr. Peeples leaves behind a legacy of service, advocacy, and leadership that helped strengthen our community and advance equity for so many across Lexington. His commitment to justice and opportunity made a lasting impact, and his work will not be forgotten.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Lexington is better because of his service.

May his memory continue to inspire us to carry forward the work of fairness and dignity for all.

Porter G. Peeples, a civil servant and former president of the Urban League of Lexington, died Tuesday, according to the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County.