The Housing Division of the Department of Commerce does not provide direct housing services to people in need.  We provide funding to local housing providers within the State of Washington, who in turn provide services to individuals and families.  CLICK HERE for contact information for the Transitional Housing, Operating and Rent (THOR) program and the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program.  For additional housing provider referrals, call 211 statewide.

 

There are different kinds of rent assistance with different eligibility requirements, but in most cases your gross annual income cannot exceed the income limit for the area in which you are applying, usually 30% - 50% for your area. Follow this link to check the HUD Income Limits for your area.

 

Some - but not all - programs target special populations such as homeless households, the elderly, victims of domestic violence, etc.  Other programs are open to all low-income households.

 

Most rental assistance programs will require you to pay about 30% of your income for rent and utilities.  The housing provider will pay the balance of the rent to your landlord.  Most programs will provide or refer you to other services that will help you to meet your non-housing needs, and assign you a case manager to guide you through the steps you'll take to reach your goals.  Good luck!

 

Rental Programs - For Local Housing Providers

 

          Transitional Housing, Operating & Rent (THOR) Homepage

          Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Homepage

          Independent Youth Housing Program (IYHP) Homepage
          FY 2010 Housing for Persons with Mental Illness (HAPMI) Application
                Application
                Performance Measures for Application
                Application Cover Letter

                Pro-Forma

 

TBRA - Please contact Mollie Gaspar at (360) 725-2943.

THOR and IYHP - Please contact:

• Cheryl Bayle, (360) 725-2997