Last updated: November 1, 2023
The below resources are for residents of King County in Washington State, who have fallen behind with rent and are looking for financial assistance, who want help or have questions about creating a repayment plan for a rent debt, or want to talk to someone about their rights as a tenant.
By Action of the Washington State Legislature, the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program ends July 1, 2023.
This means landlords in WA state will no longer be required to offer tenants a payment plan.
The King County Dispute Resolution Center’s (KCDRC) calendar for mediation and conciliation services through June 30, 2023 is full. No further mandatory ERPP mediation or conciliation services will be scheduled.
However, beginning in August, KCDRC will offer voluntary conflict resolution services to landlords and tenants in King County. Check their website in late-July to learn more about the new program that will launch in August for clients who agree to participate in voluntary mediations.
For more information click below:
https://kcdrc.org/erpp-sunset/
You may be eligible for a court-appointed attorney to represent you in court proceedings at no charge. Please contact the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 855-657-8387 or apply on-line at https://nwjustice.org/apply-online to determine if you qualify and to seek legal assistance.
Other legal assistance may be available from the following organizations:
Eastside Legal Assistance Program
Additional information about Tenant Rights and Responsibilities can be obtained from Solid Ground Tenant Services.
Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center (Bellevue, Kirkland)
Provide voluntary negotiation, coaching, and conciliation services to landlords and tenants regarding repayment plans and other housing disputes.
They can be reached at (425) 452-4091 or bcrc@bellevuewa.gov
Housing Justice Project (county wide)
(206) 267-7069
https://www.kcba.org/For-the-Public/Free-Legal-Assistance/Housing-Justice-Project
Eastside Legal Assistance Program:
To schedule a phone consultation, call our intake line at 425.747.7274 (English), or 425.620.2778 (español)
www.elap.org
King County Regional Access Points
Regional Access Points are entry points to Coordinated Entry For All. These entry points are resource centers where households experiencing homelessness can get help finding housing and other resources. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness may call ahead to schedule an appointment.
To schedule an appointment for a CEA Housing Triage Tool, households must contact a Regional Access Point directly.
Follow the link here to find and contact the Regional Access Point closest to you.
New Washington State Law: Landlords must give a “good” reason to end a tenancy or not renew a lease
A new state law says landlords must have a “good” or legal reason for not renewing a rental agreement, ending (terminating) a tenancy, or evicting a tenant. This new law (House Bill 1236) went into effect on May 10, 2021. The new law lists what counts as a “good” reason to ask a tenant to leave the rental unit or to evict a tenant.
Read more about the law at Washington Law Help.
Emergency Rent Assistance Programs
The organizations below may be able to provide some rent assistance or help with first month move-in costs.
4 Tomorrow
4 Tomorrow offers financial rent assistance to families and individuals in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and Sammamish, as part of their Life Services program. Qualified households may apply for this program at any time by contacting info@4tomorrowtoday.org or calling 425-891-0346 for screening.
English, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese are spoken. If an applicant cannot email documents, text or in-person (by appointment only) are available. Any other needs can be addressed at time of initial phone conversation, email or text.
https://www.4tomorrow.today/programs
Bellevue LifeSpring
Families in Bellevue or the Bellevue School District (including parts of Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish), and who have children under the age of 18 in the household, and with household income at or below 50% Area Median Income, are eligible to apply for their services. Send an email to help@bellevuelifespring.org, or call (425) 451-1175. Staff are fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.
https://www.bellevuelifespring.org/get-assistance/
Catholic Community Services
To access services, please call the intake line for your geographic area for updated information and eligibility. Due to limited staffing resources, there is only one staff person taking calls during intake times, so you may experience a busy signal, continuous ringing or no answer. We are not able to return calls to those seeking assistance and we will not be able to respond to any messages left on other phone lines. You must get through to a live person and obtain an appointment to receive assistance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Households must make 50% Area Median Income or less.
Seattle and South King County:
For Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, and SeaTac: Fridays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm. For all other SKC Cities and Seattle: First and Third Thursdays of each month from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Must have child under 18 residing in household, if you do not we do not have funding to assist). Call (253) 850-2523
East King County:
Bellevue, Des Moines, Redmond, and other EKC cities: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Call (425) 213-1963 x2
HopeLink
Hopelink can help pay your rent during a time of financial need. If you are experiencing a short-term financial crisis due to unexpected expenses – such as medical bills, auto repair or loss of income – Hopelink may be able to help you pay one month’s rent so that you are able to stay in your home. In addition to preventing eviction, Hopelink’s Financial Assistance program may be able to help with move-in costs. Households must have income at or below 50% Area Median Income to be eligible.
Financial Assistance appointments are currently being conducted by phone. To schedule an appointment, please call the Hopelink center in your area. https://www.hopelink.org/find-location
IACS
If you are experiencing a short-term financial crisis due to unexpected expenses, IACS may be able to support you with rental assistance. For assistance please contact us at (253) 234-9989 (ext.5).
https://iacswa.org/services/crisis-care/
Issaquah Community Services
Rent, utility, and other assistance such as gas cards, depending on needs for households in the Issaquah School District. Included in this area are all of Issaquah, and parts of Sammamish, Newcastle, Bellevue, Renton, and Maple Valley. Gas voucher requests must be supported by the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank or other partnering organization. Apply for assistance online at the link below, or call (425) 837-3125 between the hours of 9am and 11am, Monday through Friday.
www.issaquahcommunityservices.org/need-help
Jewish Family Services
Currently only serving households with at least one Jewish member. Households can seek assistance at most once in a 12 month period. Households may apply online, or by phone if translation services are needed at (206) 726-3623. The online application is only available Mondays from 9am-5pm.
www.jfsseattle.org/get-help/community-stabilization-services
Jubilee REACH
Families in the Bellevue School District may get a referral from the school district to get assistance with rent or utilities once per year. Contact the Bellevue school office where your children are enrolled for help with a referral.
Kent United Methodist
Can provide help with utilities, rent, or water bill once every 12 months. Appointments are usually held on Wednesdays. Applicants must live within the Kent School District boundaries, but do not have to have children.
Please call the church office at (253) 852-0993 on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and set up an appointment.
https://kentmethodist.com/assistance
King County Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Call 206-444-7806 to apply for assistance. They accept calls Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. Covering all of King County.
Mary’s Place
Households need to have minor children, or an adult disabled child in the home, and need to have been served through a Mary’s Place shelter, mobile outreach, or prevention program, or have received an emergency screening through the King County Family Shelter Intake Line. They prioritize families who have previously experienced homelessness, BIPOC and single parent households, families with pregnant people, children under two, and families who’ve had DCYF involvement as a minor or adult.
When you fill out the form, your information will be entered into a weekly lottery. If you are selected, you’ll be contacted by our staff to complete a short eligibility screening. If you are not selected, you will receive an email from us and will be re-entered for possible assistance the following week.
Mary’s Place Rental Assistance Request Portal for families with children needing rent assistance: https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/rental-assistance
MCRC
Rent assistance, utility bills, application fees, food & hot meals. Covering Bellevue, Kirkland, and Issaquah. Call 1-888-404-6272 for more information about their programs.
Create an account and complete the interest form at the link here:
https://maps.knack.com/mcrc#home
Multi-Service Center
MSC provides one-time rent assistance and limited resources for temporary emergencies such as utility bill assistance to individuals and families living within the city limits of Auburn, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and SeaTac. MSC may also be able to assist residents of Fern Hill Terrace with one-time assistance.
Call 253-893-0024 on the first Tuesday of month between 9 a.m. to noon. Funds are limited. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of phone calls, you may receive a busy signal. Please keep trying to get through.
OR
Complete an online application for your city at the link on this page: https://mschelps.org/gethelp/rentalemergencyassistance/
Salvation Army Eastside
Rent and utilities assistance for households renting in Bellevue only at this time. Call (425) 452-7300 for more information and to apply.
Solid Ground
Can provide rent and move-in assistance to households in King County. Anyone calling 211 and asking about rent help is automatically pre-screened for assistance from Solid Ground. If they meet eligibility requirements and if there is a referral available at the time they call, they will be referred to a specific case manager with Solid Ground for help.
Call 211, and there is a possibility you will be referred to Solid Ground for rent or move-in assistance.
St Vincent de Paul
Call 206-767-6449 to apply for assistance. They accept calls Monday through Friday, from 8am-3pm. Different chapters covering different cities and zip codes have different limits for assistance. Call the main line and they will work through the chapter in your area to try to provide help.
United Way King County
United Way of King County (UWKC) offers emergency financial support to renters in Seattle and the greater King County area who need help covering past-due rent, are facing significant housing instability, and/or have an active eviction notice.
Households must reside and owe back rent at their current address in King County. Their income must not exceed 80% Area Median Income.
YMCA of Greater Seattle – Y Social Impact Center
Currently working to assist renters in Bellevue and Seattle. Eligibility requirements vary based on what city. Applicants can review eligibility criteria at the link below: https://www.seattleymca.org/blog/rent-help-available-residents-auburn-bellevue-and-city-seattle
Those who meet eligibility requirements can apply at this link:
Alternately, email renthelp@seattleymca.org, or call 206-751-7130. Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Eviction Legal Help
The organizations below can provide tenants access to an attorney after an eviction has been filed or served.
Northwest Justice Project
Tenants can apply online on the Northwest Justice Project website at the link here to begin the screening process for eviction help. https://nwjustice.org/apply-online
Emergency Shelter
The organizations below can provide emergency shelter to single adults or families.
King County Family Emergency Shelter Intake Line
Any family with children, in need of same day emergency shelter should call 206-245-1026.
This hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Mobile outreach services can meet with unsheltered family wherever they are in King County.
They can accommodate families that have pets with them.
Mary’s Place
Mary’s Place has 700 beds at six family centers, operating 24/7. Families with children needing emergency shelter can call 206-245-1026, or request help online:
Mary’s Place Outreach Request Portal: https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/outreach-request
New Bethlehem Project
Visit New Bethlehem Day Center (11920 NE 80th St Suite 100 Kirkland, WA 98033), Hours 10am-2pm Tues – Fri, for access to showers, laundry, meals and referrals to shelter and housing. Only requirement is that you be a family, that is with a minor child under age 18 or K-12 as part of the family unit. https://www.nbpshelter.org/
You can also call them at 206-245-1026
Day Center at Sophia’s Place
Hours: Every day from 8 am to 3 pm
Services: Meals (breakfast and lunch), showers, laundry, computers, and access to service providers including medical, legal assistance, and job search
Location: Sophia’s Place
3032 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 425. 896.7385
Bus route: 249
Helen’s Place Shelter
Hours: Open 24/7
Services: Meals (breakfast and lunch), showers, laundry, computers, case management and supportive services, and on-site mental health services
Location: Helen’s Place
8045 120th Avenue NE, Suite 200, Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: 425.572.2178
Bus route: 250
Overlake Christian Church Safe Parking Program
OCC has established a Safe Parking ministry to provide a temporary and safe place for up to 15 single men and couples with no place to stay except in their vehicles.
Email the Safe Parking Team at safeparking@occ.org, call (425) 895-5904 or stop by the church office when we’re open.
Utilities
Puget Sound Energy
PSE have launched an assistance program for our customers who may have been impacted by the pandemic.
Visit the program webpage for eligibility and application information: https://www.pse.com/help
City of Bellevue Utility Rate and Tax Relief
The City of Bellevue has several programs to help low-income persons living within the service area of Bellevue Utilities. For more information, please call 425-452-5285 or email UtilityRelief@bellevuewa.gov.
Food
ACRS
The only food bank in Washington State that regularly distributes foods that cater to Asian American and Pacific Islander diets, including healthy and nutritious staples like rice, tofu, soy milk, noodles, canned proteins and produce. Our food bank is located at 800 S Weller St, Seattle , WA 98104. The food bank is open Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
https://acrs.org/services/aging-services-for-older-adults/acrs-food-bank/
HopeLink
Hopelink food banks are currently providing pre-packed boxes of food at all five locations, as well as some fresh items. During each visit, you will be able to pick up enough food for at least 21 meals. You do not need to call in advance.
https://www.hopelink.org/need-help/food
Household Essentials
Essentials First
Offer four types of kits: Essentials, Hygiene, Warmth, and Cold. The kits, in various sizes, are filled with critical products and resource information. They are gifted to people experiencing homelessness and those near homeless, refugees, and those experiencing financial insecurity.
Phone: (425)-502-7768, Monday-Thursday 11am-3pm.
Childcare
The Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFA)
The CCFA program is available to residents of Bellevue or Redmond. The program provides financial assistance with childcare, with the amount of the assistance being set by the family’s size and income.
https://www.childcare.org/family-services/
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
DCYF website with guidance on how to find childcare and assistance with the cost throughout the state of Washington.
https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/find-child-care
YMCA
The YMCA offer summer day camps for kids up to 18 years old.
http://ykids.seattleymca.org/bellevue-family-ymca/summer-camps
Healthcare
King County Public Health
Free and Low cost health insurance, Health services, Rx Discount Program, Food and cellphone assistance, Energy Assistance, Ora-Lift card
http://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations.aspx
Renton clinic 206-477-0100 Bellevue clinic 206-477-2335
Information on local, state and federal programs and resources that are available for undocumented residents living in King County
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/locations/health-insurance/access-and-outreach/undocumented-residents.aspx
Sea-Mar Community Health Centers
A community-based organization providing comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington state. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services.
https://www.seamar.org
Bellevue location: 425-460-7140
Kent location: 206-436-6380
Resources for Seniors
East King County Resource Guide for Older Adults and Their Families
The East King County Resource Guide for Older Adults and Their Families is published as a community service by the City of Kirkland Senior Council, the City of Kirkland and EvergreenHealth.
The guide can be found here: Resource Guide PDF
Resources for Refugees & Immigrants
World Relief Seattle
Assistance for refugees and immigrants. https://worldreliefseattle.org
Call 253-277-1121.
Other Community Resources
Domestic Violence (DVHopeline, entire Puget Sound region): Call 877-737-0242
Domestic Violence (Lifewire, East and North King County): Call 425-746-1940, or 800-827-8840
Crisis Line: Call 206-431-3222 or 800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 800-272-8255, then extension #1.
Drugs & Alcohol: Call 206-722-3700.
Pet food assistance: Seattle Humane’s Pet Food Bank collects and distributes pet food donations for pets belonging to low-income seniors, families in crisis, and any community members in need. https://www.seattlehumane.org/pet-food-bank/