STATUS: Active

SERVICE AREA: Primarily Clark, Estill, Madison, and Powell counties in Kentucky. Some individual programs serve additional counties or larger regions, so eligibility and service area vary by program.

CLIENTS SERVED: Primarily individuals and families with low incomes or experiencing financial hardship, as well as seniors, veterans and their families, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, families with children, people with disabilities, individuals affected by substance use disorders, and others needing assistance. Eligibility varies by program.

DESCRIPTION: Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc., commonly known as Kentucky River Foothills or Foothills, is a nonprofit Community Action Agency that helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The organization provides a broad range of social services and connects residents with other community resources when direct assistance is unavailable.

PROGRAMS/SERVICES:

• Community Services & Emergency Assistance: County outreach offices provide information and referral, case management and, when funding is available, emergency assistance with needs such as food, shelter and utilities. Staff can also connect households with other community resources.
• LIHEAP Energy Assistance: Seasonal assistance with household heating and cooling costs for income-eligible households. Assistance may cover electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood or other eligible heating sources. Availability and application periods vary according to funding.
• Weatherization Assistance: Accepts applications from income-eligible households for improvements that can make homes safer and more energy efficient, such as insulation, air sealing, ventilation and certain energy-related equipment. Eligible applications are referred to KCEOC Community Action Partnership, which performs the weatherization work.
• Affordable Housing & Housing Support: Provides affordable housing and other housing-related programs designed to help individuals and families obtain or maintain safe, stable housing.
• Aging Services: Provides programs for older adults through senior and active-living centers, including meals, activities, wellness opportunities and other supportive services.
• Transportation: Foothills Express provides public transportation services, including local and regional transportation options and specialized transportation programs.
• Veteran & Family Services: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) helps eligible veterans and their families experiencing or at risk of homelessness obtain or maintain stable housing.
• Scholar House Programs: Provides housing and supportive services designed to help eligible participants pursue education, employment and greater self-sufficiency.
• Community Collaboration for Children: Provides family support and child-abuse and neglect prevention services, including home-based services and parenting support. This program has a larger regional service area than Foothills’ primary four-county area.
• kynect Assistance: Trained kynectors help residents access health coverage and other benefits through Kentucky’s kynect system. Foothills kynectors currently serve Clark, Estill, Jackson, Madison, Powell and Rockcastle counties.
• Health & Wellness: Operates health and wellness services, including a Healthcare for the Homeless program in Powell County.
• Substance Use & Recovery Support: Provides programs and supportive services for individuals and families affected by opioid and other substance use disorders.

HOW TO ACCESS SERVICES: Complete the Foothills Intake Form or contact the outreach office serving your county to discuss your needs and available programs: Because eligibility, application procedures and service areas differ by program, residents should contact Foothills for screening and referral to the appropriate service.

• Clark County: 859-744-3235
• Estill County: 606-723-4492
• Madison County: 859-623-6514
• Powell County: 606-663-2659.
• LIHEAP Energy Assistance: Call 859-544-1713 or use the LIHEAP appointment portal.