King County to provide over $41 million in funding for eviction prevention

Aug 20 2020, 9:50 pm

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program which will “dedicate $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region.”

The program is now available to individuals and families throughout King County who’ve been economically impacted by coronavirus due to illness, lost wages and unemployment.

Applicants must have an income that is at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income over the past 60 days and must be partially or fully behind at least one month of rent since March 1, 2020. They must also meet one of several secondary criteria, such as having a high rent burden, a history of homelessness or eviction, or a disability.

“Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and prevent homelessness for thousands of residents in need across King County.”

The new program is expected to support at least 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region.

The $41.4 million funding for the program comes from the following:

  • $9.8 M from the King County COVID Relief Fund
  • $28.7 M from the federal CARES Act funding awarded to King County from the Washington State Department of Commerce
  • $1.7 M from the Community Development Block Grant funding
  • $1.2 M from the voter-approved Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy

Those interested in applying or learning more about the program can do so on the King County webpage.

Alyssa TherrienAlyssa Therrien

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