The Great Bend Housing Authority (GBHA) will host an informational meeting for local landlords with rental properties located within the City of Great Bend to discuss updates to its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and introduce a new policy aimed at incentivizing participation and supporting property owners.
The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St. The meeting is open to all City of Great Bend landlords, including those currently participating in the Section 8 program and those interested in learning more. Light refreshments will be provided, and the meeting is expected to last approximately one hour.
GBHA Executive Director Lynn Fleming will share an overview of the Section 8 program, discuss housing needs in the community, and outline recent policy updates designed to reduce risk and improve the landlord experience. GBHA currently receives 112 vouchers each month, with approximately 80 in use, leaving additional capacity for new landlord participation.
New incentives include a $500 signing bonus for new landlords, as well as funding that may help reimburse for unpaid rent, property damages, and loss of rent. GBHA also offers direct-deposit rent payments issued on the first day of each month.
“Section 8 plays a critical role in Great Bend by helping seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working families maintain safe, secure, and sanitary housing. At the same time, we recognize that landlords often have concerns about reliability and risk,” said Fleming. “This new policy is designed to address those concerns by reducing uncertainty and creating a more supportive, predictable experience for property owners.”
The meeting will also feature experienced Section 8 landlords who will share their perspectives, along with time for questions and discussion. GBHA will review what landlords can expect when working with the organization, including program requirements, tenant screening processes, utility allowances provided to tenants, and ongoing support.
“We wanted this meeting to be informative and practical,” Fleming said. “It’s an opportunity for landlords to ask questions, hear directly from others who have participated in the program, and walk away with a clear understanding of how the process works and how GBHA supports them.”
GBHA recently launched a new Facebook page and encourages landlords and community members to follow for updates, event information, and ongoing program announcements. More information about the Section 8 program and the upcoming meeting is available at www.gbhaks.com. For questions or to learn more about participating, contact GBHA at 620-793-7761. The GBHA office is located inside the High Rise at 1101 Kansas Avenue and is open five days per week.
