More Information
Washington State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
Washington State Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Website
Media Contact
For additional questions, please contact Tom Webster, Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention Manager at (360) 280-6265 or thomas.webster@co.thurston.wa.us.
Social Media
Follow us on social media for the latest information and resources about COVID-19.
Have you been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and need help with rent and utilities?
You might qualify for 2021 Rent Assistance.
Asistencia para la renta – español
There are multiple access points for Rent Assistance in Thurston County. View the flow chart to learn how the Rent Assistance process works in Thurston County.
• Flow Chart (English)
• Flow Chart (Spanish)
Applicants can view the checklist to help prepare the documentation and information needed at their appointment.
• Checklist (English)
• Checklist (Spanish)
Ages 25 and up apply through the Community Action Council
• Schedule an appointment online or if you don't have access to the Internet, call to schedule your appointment.
• (360) 438-1100, press 8 for Housing. Open Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Visit the Community Action Council website at www.CACLMT.org
Ages 18-24 apply through Community Youth Services
• Submit your request online or by email. If you don't have access to the Internet, call to request assistance.
• RentSupport@CommunityYouthServices.org, (360) 280-8114
• www.CommunityYouthServices.org
Contact your Case Manager or existing contact at a partner organizations (ages 18 and up)
• Family Support Center of South Sound, www.fscss.org, (360) 754-9297
• Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative, www.innovationshtc.org, (833) 201-0940, info@innovationshtc.org
• SafePlace Olympia, www.safeplaceolympia.org, (360) 786-8754, 24-hour Help Line: 360-754-6300• Asistencia para la renta – español
• SafePlace Olympia, www.safeplaceolympia.org, (360) 786-8754, 24-hour Help Line: 360-754-6300
• Asistencia para la renta – español
• Have 2020 or current gross income at 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI). Households with incomes at 50% or less of AMI and those currently on unemployment will be prioritized.
• Are experiencing financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19.
• Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or currently experiencing housing instability.
• Most non-traditional or informal rental situations, including hotel stays, mobile home lot rentals and single room rentals can be covered.
• Income verification for all household members (W-2s, pay stubs, etc.).
• Lease or rental documents.
• Any unemployment documentation.
• Landlord contact information, including email.
• You are not required to provide immigration status.
• This program can cover rent up to 150% of Fair Market Value and not more than the total amount owed.
• This program can cover rent past due since March 13, 2020.
• This program can cover three months of future rent at a time. Households can reapply after each three-month period for up to 12 months of total assistance.
• This funding can assist with past due utilities, including Internet.
• Landlords can share this opportunity with their tenants and encourage them to apply.
• Landlords will need to provide their most recent W-9 form and lease or rental documents.
• Rent payments go directly to landlords. They'll need to agree to accept payment from Community Action Council.
In 2020, funding for Rent Assistance programs began in August as a response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
*In 2020, Community Youth Services was contracted directly with the Washington State Department of Commerce. The funding they received in 2020 did not go through Thurston County Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention. In 2021 this changed and the funding for CYS to administer Rent Assistance is now contracted from Thurston County.
To help address the economic impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on low- and moderate-income households, Thurston County is providing rent and utility assistance to help people maintain their housing. Through a mix of local, state and federal funding, these resources are targeting low- and moderate-income renter households who need assistance paying rent, past due utility bills and other eligible housing costs. This program benefits both renters who are struggling to make payments as well as the property owners who may have lost rental income during the pandemic. Funding for Rent Assistance programs must be spent by September 2022.
Details of Rent Assistance Funding for Thurston County
• Spanish
• English
• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• Russian
Public Health and Social Services Contact Information
State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline