Shelter and Housing

Rent Assistance

The City of Seattle supports two rent assistance programs that help prevent homelessness and stabilize the lives of those who have been homeless.

The City of Seattle started funding rent assistance programs in 2003, following voter approval of the Seattle Housing Levy. Seattle General Funds and federal Housing and Urban Development funds are allocated with Levy funds for rent assistance programs. Allocations to nonprofit, community-based organizations are determined through a competitive process conducted by the Seattle Human Services Department at least once every four years. Funding during funding cycles depends upon program performance and funding availability. The Department issued a Request for Investment (RFI) for these services in fall 2007. The next RFI cycle ends on December 31, 2011. In 2007, $730,000 are distributed; the 2008 allocation is $728,197.

Emergency Rent Assistance

The Human Services Department and 9 community-based, nonprofit agencies work together to provide short-term rent assistance to eligible low-income tenants in Seattle. Approximately 600 very low-income households receive assistance each year.

The program helps households with incomes up to 50 percent of the region’s median income who are experiencing a one-time crisis that may result in eviction or housing loss from other causes. (See table below for specific income levels and eligibility.)

An eligible household may receive one rent assistance benefit award in a 12-month period. The program may also pay for reasonable costs of moving homeless households into long-term affordable housing. Program staff conducts follow-up assessments of households after six months to determine whether housing is stable.

2008 Funded Agencies and Programs

• Catholic Community Services - Emergency Assistance
• Family Services - Resident Choices Program
• First Place - Family Stabilization Program
• ID Housing Alliance - Housing Search and Stabilization Program
• ROAR of WA - Homeless Prevention and Intervention Program
• Refugee Federation Service Center - Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• Salvation Army - Homeless Family Assistance
• Solid Ground - Housing Counseling
• YWCA Seattle-King-Snohomish Counties - Domestic Violence Rental Assistance

Rental Stabilization

The Seattle Human Services Department works with the Salvation Army to provide rent subsidies for six to 18 months for families and individuals who are making the transition from homelessness, or are in immediate danger of eviction.

The program helps households with incomes up to 50 percent of the region’s median income (see table below). Case management and follow-up assessments are conducted six months after rent subsidies end to ensure long-term housing stability. The program serves about 100 households each year.

Information

For more information about eviction prevention programs for homeless and low-income people, please contact the agencies listed above or the 211 Community Information Line by dialing 211 or 1-800-621-4636.

If you don't need eviction prevention services but you have questions about Seattle Human Services Department program policy, call 206-684-0266 or e-mail emergencyservices@seattle.gov

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