Eviction prevention and rehousing help Seattle and King County.
King County residents facing eviction or severe housing instability have access to several emergency financial assistance and legal support programs. These services are coordinated through partnerships between the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), the United Way of King County (UWKC), community nonprofit organizations, and civil legal aid providers.
The primary goal of these programs is to prevent homelessness by helping tenants resolve short-term financial crises before eviction occurs. Assistance generally focuses on households with low or moderate incomes, typically those earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or approximately 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Funding for these services comes from a mix of federal, state, and local sources. King County continues to operate ongoing eviction prevention programs funded through Washington State housing funds and local levies.
What To Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice (Details below)
If you receive a pay or vacate notice or court summons, taking action quickly is critical. Steps tenants should consider include:
- Contacting a legal aid provider such as the Housing Justice Project immediately.
- Applying for rental assistance through the United Way intake system, or look here for our King County WA rent assistance page.
- Communicating with the landlord about possible payment arrangements.
- Attending all court hearings and responding to eviction paperwork.
- Early intervention can often prevent eviction and provide additional time to secure financial assistance.
Keep King County Housed (KKCH)
Keep King County Housed is the primary rent assistance program currently operating in the region and it is focused on stopping evictions. KKCH provides financial assistance to renters who have fallen behind on rent or who are at immediate risk of eviction. The program is administered by the United Way of King County in partnership with community-based housing organizations. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance because funding is limited and demand is high. Eligible households may receive:
- Payment of past-due rent owed to the landlord. Sometimes up to two months may be provided.
- Up to two months of future rent assistance in some cases
- Case management and housing stabilization services
- Funds are paid directly to the landlord or property manager rather than to the tenant.
While income and funding may change, in some cases up to $10,000 may be provided. Household income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Note the landlord must agree to participate in the program. Also the tenant must complete the official intake process.
Because of limited funding, KKCH uses a tiered waitlist and randomized selection system. After completing the intake form, households are placed into a priority tier depending on their level of housing risk. Those with active eviction notices or severe housing instability are typically placed in higher priority tiers. Applications are submitted through the United Way’s centralized intake system at https://www.uwkc.org/renthelp/.
United Way of King County – Home Base
United Way of King County – Home Base is another leading homeless prevention program. Home Base is the regional housing stability initiative operated by United Way of King County. The program coordinates multiple eviction prevention funding sources and connects renters to financial aid and housing services.
Home Base functions as the primary intake system for rent assistance - eviction prevention programs throughout King County. The system connects applicants to participating nonprofit organizations that process cases and distribute payments. In addition to financial assistance, Home Base may connect households to:
- Housing counseling
- Landlord mediation
- Legal services
- Emergency financial grants
Legal Defense and Eviction Mitigation
or tenants who have received a 14-day or 30-day "pay or vacate" notice, legal intervention is a critical resource. Washington State law provides a "Right to Counsel" for low-income tenants facing eviction.
The Housing Justice Project (HJP): Managed by the King County Bar Association, HJP provides pro bono legal representation to tenants in eviction court. They utilize state-level foreclosure and eviction protections to negotiate settlements, stay evictions, or get additional time for tenants to access financial aid. Contact: https://www.kcba.org/For-the-Public/Free-Legal-Assistance/Housing-Justice-Project.
- Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Services: Legal advocacy, mediation with landlords, and assistance in drafting responses to summons and complaints.
- Seattle Clinic: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room W314, Seattle, WA 98104. (Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
- Kent Clinic: Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 1281, Kent, WA 98032. (Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
Northwest Justice Project (NJP): NJP operates the CLEAR hotline, which serves as the primary screening service for civil legal aid in Washington. They provide advice on lease violations, security deposit disputes, and unlawful detainer actions.
Youth and Family Housing Stability Programs
Specialized programs exist for young people and families with children who are at risk of homelessness. These programs are designed to prevent youth from entering the shelter system and provide flexible financial assistance for housing stabilization.
Youth and Family Homelessness Prevention Initiative (YFHPI): YFHPI provides targeted financial assistance and support services to families with children and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 who are at risk of homelessness. Services may include:
- Short-term rental assistance
- Housing stabilization counseling
- Family mediation
- Connections to community support services
Youth Diversion and In-Care Program (YDIP): YDIP helps young people under age 25 who are experiencing housing instability. The program provides flexible funds that may cover:
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