Rental & Utility Assistance is Here!

I have heard from so many community members who have lost their job as a result of the pandemic or experienced significantly reduced hours and income. Especially folks who cannot work from home safely, such as our neighbors in the hospitality industry, childcare and other personal and professional services have been hit really hard. This in turn has put a significant burden on these individuals as they try to survive on unemployment to pay rent, utilities, and other basic living costs.

This is why I am so pleased we have made available $65 million for rental and/or utility assistance for those experiencing impacts from COVID-19. Follow this link to apply. This is the one place to apply no matter where you live in Pierce County – Tacoma, University Place, Buckley, Parkland or anywhere else. I would ask that you think about who in your network could benefit from this kind of help and send them this information. If technology is a barrier to accessing the application, you may call 2-1-1 from any phone in Pierce County and a live operator will assist you.

My office put together this helpful tutorial video to make filling out the application as quick and painless as possible.

I am very worried about the eviction moratorium coming to an end soon and what that is going to do for hundreds of families that have found themselves behind on rent or utilities through no fault of their own. I am very hopeful this rental and utility assistance will go a long way to helping these families survive and will be looking for other opportunities to ensure people can not only stay in their home, but thrive as we recover from the pandemic.