Who can help with rental assistance?
Call the United Way Help Line at 211 for rental assistance referrals.
Can you help me find a rental?
We can not assist you in finding an apartment or house for rent. However, you can locate free catalogs at your local grocery store that may be of some assistance.
My lights are going to be shut off, can you help me?
The Energy Assistance Program provides fuel assistance to income qualified Pierce County residents only. If you live within the city limits of Tacoma contact the Metropolitan Development Council at 572-5557. If you are a county resident call the Energy Assistance Line at (253) 798-3800 for information. It is important that you always remain in contact with your fuel provider to make payment arrangements.
Do you have money to help people with food?
The Community Action Programs are a major information and referral source for services provided in the community including food and clothing. You may call (253) 798-7240 and ask the receptionist for the closest food bank or local church in your area that may be able to provide you with resources.
I need a lawyer, can you help me ?
We have an extensive referral resource guide that can assist in helping individuals locate legal assistance. The Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association provides several services and they can be reached at (253) 272-8871. In addition, the Northwest Justice Project provides some legal services to low-income persons. They can be reached at (253) 572-4343, or 1 (888) 201-2016.
My home is not handicap accessible, can you do that?
If an individual has a permanent disability that requires housing modification or barrier removal and the family income is less than 80% of median income they would be able to receive a loan to complete repairs on their home. Participants must live in the unincorporated areas of Pierce County, or in any city or town outside the city limits of Tacoma and Lakewood.
When does energy assistance start?
The Energy Assistance Program starts in late November or early December, but is dependent upon funding. Program participants must meet income guidelines to receive energy assistance. For program information please call the Energy Assistance Line at (253) 798-3800.
How do I get my child into Head Start or ECEAP (Early Childhood education and Assistance Program)?
Families receiving public assistance grants, and children in foster care are eligible, as are many families with limited incomes. The majority of children enrolled in ECEAP and Head Start programs are four years old by August 31st, some centers are able to enroll three year olds. Your child may be enrolled by calling (253) 798-7240 and asking for extension 5157 or 5166. Pierce County Community Services, Community Action Programs operates programs in Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley, South Hill, Eatonville, University Place and Orting. In addition, Community Action includes the Avanza ECEAP which is an ECEAP Program designed to meet the needs of the Hispanic population.
Do you do screenings that help me know how my baby is developing?
The ChildReach program provides developmental screenings for children birth to six, in the areas of vision, hearing, language, motor, learning and behavior. These services are available free to low-income families living within Pierce County. Developmental screenings are held throughout Pierce County at a variety of sites, including Family Support Centers, Community Centers, Churches, etc. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (253) 798-3698.
Can you help me with my GED?
The Pierce County CAREER Program can help income eligible participants gain the general Education Diploma (GED). CAREER staff will link you to a Community College or local training program near your home so you can attend classes to help you obtain your GED.
I need job skills, do you have a program that can help me?
The CAREER Program has several training programs to help income qualified individuals gain job skills, and work experience. The Community Jobs program can place participants in a non-profit organization for twenty hours a week to learn new skills or enhance existing skills. The CAREER program can also refer participants to short or long term vocational training programs to help attain job skills.
I am about to be homeless, where can I go?
Contact the United Way helpline by dialing 211 or 1-800-572-HELP. United Way can provided referrals to homeless housing providers in Pierce County. If you have a Landlord Tenant question you can contact the Washington State Attorney General at 360-753-6200.
Will Weatherization provide me with free new windows?
The Weatherization program has funding that is targeted to income qualified residents living in electric and gas heated homes. The program covers 25% of the cost of new windows, the homeowner is responsible for the remaining 75% of the costs. Individuals must meet income guidelines to participate in the Weatherization Program.
