Contact:
Tom Webster, Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention Manager, (360) 280-6265, or thomas.webster@co.thurston.wa.us

Community Action Council opens scheduling of appointments for rent and utility assistance online or by phone

​OLYMPIA – In February, The Board of County Commissioners approved additional funding to continue rent and utility assistance in Thurston County through 2021. The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties (CAC) began scheduling appointments for 2021 Rent Assistance in Thurston County today.

Thurston County residents can apply online at www.CACLMT.org or by calling (360) 438-1100. Thurston County has contracted the administration of the 2021 Rent Assistance with the CAC.

Eligible households have an income of 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) and are experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Households with incomes under 50% AMI or with a household member on unemployment will be prioritized. The assistance can cover unpaid rent since March 13, 2020 and three months of future rent at a time.

Households can reapply after each three-month period for up to 12 months. This funding can also assist with past-due utilities as well as past-due internet bills. Residents in non-traditional or informal rental situations including hotel stays, mobile home lot rentals, and single room rentals can be covered.

Landlords can participate by sharing this opportunity with their tenants and providing rental documents and their most recent W-9 form to the CAC. Rent payments go directly to landlords. They'll need to accept payment from the CAC on behalf of their tenant.

"The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult on our low- and moderate-income community members," said Tom Webster, Manager of Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention. "The Community Action Council has demonstrated a great deal of competence in administering rent assistance programs with compassion and efficiency. We're happy to be working together to provide this much needed assistance for renters and landlords in Thurston County."

To learn more about the 2021 Rent Assistance and to download flyers, visit https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus-Rent-Assistance.aspx.

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