Kit Carson Commons

EDUCATION SUPPORT
The Workforce Pathway at Kit Carson Commons Scholar House is not a student-housing program. Rather, it is a combination of education supports with access to housing and workforce development supports, all of which are interdependent. Supportive services and educational supports are provided to assist program participants in meeting their goals. Services will be bundled, specific to each family’s need, to support their journey to self-sufficiency. Residents receive case management, workshops, and access to various programs including parenting skills, management of family resources, nutrition, work skills, problem solving, and job search techniques. Most of these services are provided at no cost to the participants.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Kit Carson Commons provides a workforce training center that includes three classrooms, offices, space for mock interviews, and a participant workroom with computers, printers, and other items needed for assembling resumes and completing program assignments. It focuses on industry, manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping/distribution.  ​

AFFORDABLE HOUSING
This project consists of three apartment buildings located at 4460 Kit Carson Drive in Richmond. There are 30 housing units, consisting of two and three bedroom apartments, of which three are fully-handicap accessible living quarters and one is for hearing impaired persons. Housing is income based. Although located on land leased at EKU and prioritizing student parents, this program is not a form of student housing. Winterwood, Inc. provides property management and ensures the program’s compliance with funding regulations.

APARTMENT AMENITIES INCLUDE:

• New Energy Efficient Appliances
• Microwave Included
• Dishwasher Included
• Washer & Dryer Included
• Wood Laminate Flooring
• Storage Space
• ADA Units Available
• Community Room
• Computer Lab
• Green Space
• Childcare (income based)
• Designated Parking Lot
• Campus Shuttle Access

PARTNERS INCLUDE
The Workforce Pathway at Kit Carson Commons Scholar House has been made possible by support from the Kentucky Housing Corporation, Ohio Capital Corporation, Eastern Kentucky University, Madison County Fiscal Court, City of Richmond, and Fahe.

Project Developer: KRFDC
Architect: integrity/Architecture
Builder: Spectrum Contracting Services, Inc.

Applicants complete a written interest questionnaire that is used to gather basic information about applicants and to confirm where they will fit on the prioritization list for the program. Priority is given to l o w-income single parent military service members and veterans who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending college at an accredited institution. Second priority will be given to low-income single parents who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending an approved post-secondary institution (including technical colleges and online programs) on a full-time basis.  Applicants for the program will be screened by staff to determine their willingness to participate, and succeed in the program. In summary, this is what will be evaluated through the application and screening:

Priority for program admission will be given to:

• Heads of households who are at least 18 years of age
• Single parents with primary custody of child/children
• Degree seeking full-time students at an approved post-secondary institution such as Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Berea College, Morehead State University, etc.
• Participants agree to meet monthly with a case manager to develop (and later monitor progress on) an Individualized Service Plan
• Participants agree to attend monthly life skills workshops and meetings to promote the achievement of educational goals resulting in self-sufficiency
• Participants agree to either work or participate in approved volunteer experience while enrolled in the program

KIT CARSON COMMONS INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

KCC CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION APPOINTMENT

Here is how the application process for the Kit Carson Commons Residences will work:

1. All applicants will complete a written KCC Interest Questionnaire that is used to gather basic information about applicants and to confirm where they will fit on the prioritization list for the program. Veteran single parents pursuing 4 year college degrees will receive first priority to admission.
2. Applicants meeting the first priority for admission into the Kit Carson Commons Residences will be offered interviews with the Kit Carson Commons staff to determine their willingness to participate, and succeed, in the program. The following items (link below) will be required at the time of the scheduled interview.  In summary this is what will be evaluated through the application and interviews:

• Are you at least 18 years of age?
• Are you a single parent with primary custody of your child/children?
• Are you a full-time student or have been admitted for full-time enrollment in an approved post-secondary institution?
  Are you a Veteran?
• Are you willing to meet monthly with a Kit Carson Commons case manager to develop (and later monitor progress on) an Individualized Service Plan?
• Are you eligible for Section 8 subsidized housing? Again, not sure if this will be required?
• Are you willing to attend monthly life skills workshops and meetings to achieve your educational goals resulting in self-sufficiency?
• Are you willing to either work or participate in approved volunteer experience while enrolled in the Kit Carson Commons Program?

Priority is given to low-income single parent military service members veterans who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending college at an accredited institution who participate in the program.  Second priority will be given to low-income single parents who are pursuing self-sufficiency goals through attending an approved post-secondary institution (including technical colleges and online programs) on a full-time basis. Once participants are chosen, they are referred to the housing manager who will then determine if they qualify for rental assistance. Housing will be dependent on continued participation in the program, including remaining a full-time student, maintaining a 2.0 GPA, paying a share of the rent, and participating in required supportive services (life skills, study hours, case management, etc.).

Click on Image Below to See Apartment Layouts: B,C,D & E

For more information contact:
Jackie Dean, Kit Carson Commons Director
4460 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 408- 7025

Cheryl Muncy, Child Development Center Director
4460 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 408- 7025