Permanent Supportive Housing – Operations, Maintenance, and Services Program (PSH OMS)

The Permanent Supportive Housing Operating, Maintenance, and Services (PSH OMS) Program is designed to address the financial challenges faced by permanent supportive housing projects across Washington. With a focus on assisting projects which serve extremely low-income households—especially those experiencing or at risk of homelessness—the program aims to bridge the funding gap between operating costs and the income generated by these housing projects.

By offering reimbursement for essential expenses related to operations, maintenance, and supportive services, the PSH OMS Program plays a critical role in sustaining over 160 housing projects statewide, ensuring that residents have access to stable housing and the comprehensive support needed to thrive. This initiative not only promotes housing stability but also fosters a healthier community by connecting residents with necessary services and resources. 

Program overview 

• Purpose: Assists in covering the gap between project income and eligible costs of operations, maintenance, and supportive services for PSH projects. 
• Scope: 
  • Restricted to projects that meet the legal definition of Permanent Supportive Housing. (RCW 36.70A.030(31)) 
  • Reimburses for O&M plus supportive services expenses. 
• Funding: 
  • Approximately $47 million annually statewide. 
  • Supports over 160 projects with approximately 7,000 units. 
• Focus: Ensures long-term stability of PSH projects by funding both property operations & maintenance and the services tenants need. 

Program Intent

The PSH OMS Program helps cover the difference between the costs of operating, maintaining, and providing supportive services for projects, and the income generated from those projects. This difference is known as the funding gap. The program provides funds to assist with covering ongoing eligible expenses, which are reported in the application or renewal. The program reimburses project owners for routine operating, maintenance, and some supportive services expenses for tenants living in permanent supportive housing units.  

To qualify, PSH projects and units must meet the full definition of PSH as outlined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.70A.030 (31), be occupied by extremely low-income households earning at or below 30% of the area median income and require additional support to meet ongoing costs for property operations, maintenance, and supportive services. (RCW 36.22.250).

Permanent Supportive Housing as defined in RCW 36.70A.030 (31).

Commerce administers approximately $47 million per year under this program and currently provides needed funding for over 160 housing projects across Washington. Full program eligibility and additional information can be found within the PSH OMS Program Guidelines (PDF).

Washington code 

As defined in RCW 36.70A.030 (31), permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a type of subsidized, leased housing and has no time limit on how long residents can stay. It is designed for people who need comprehensive support services to keep their homes. The program aims to reduce barriers to entry, making it easier for individuals with various rental histories, criminal records, or personal behaviors to secure housing. 

To qualify for PSH, tenants must have a documented disabling condition, along with being homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless. This housing is paired with optional on-site or off-site services that help residents maintain their homes, improve their health, and connect to community health care, treatment, or job services. 

Permanent supportive housing follows all the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Chapter 59.18 RCW).

Legislative funding source

In 2018, the Legislature provided funds for the Permanent Supportive Housing Operating, Maintenance, and Services (PSH OMS) Program. The program expanded significantly with E2SHB1277 in 2021. In 2023, SSB5386 combined the four laws managing the document recording fee programs overseen by Commerce into one clear statute.