Pierce County Authorizes CARES Act Funds For Affordable Housing

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Pierce County has authorized the use of CARES Act funds to support the owners or operators of low income housing, which the county says it hopes will help them maintain stability amid the tumultuous pandemic.

Monday, Pierce County Human Services announced they had set aside $1.45 million for the program. Organizers say there are 10,000 units of deed-restricted affordable housing in Pierce County who may be eligible to receive the funds.

Washington recently extended the eviction moratorium through the end of the year, meaning many residents may not have paid rent for months, and may not pay rent for several more. Organizers say the money provided through this program will hopefully keep affordable housing operators afloat while they don't have stable income.

“With many renters struggling to maintain their housing, ensuring the financial stability of existing affordable housing projects that provide housing to very low-income households in Pierce County is more critical than ever,” said Bryan Schmid, Pierce County's Affordable Housing Supervisor.

Related: Inslee Extends Washington's Eviction Moratorium Through Dec. 31

Money will be distributed in the form of a one time grant. Grants will range from $25,000 to $75,000 each, depending on the number of affordable housing units the recipients manages.

To receive the CARES Act funding, the affordable housing must:

• Be in Pierce County.
• Be deed-restricted to 50 percent of the area median income.
• Have suffered COVID-related expenses that were not budgeted for in 2020.
• Have a Federal Tax Number and a Unified Business Identifier Number.

Interested parties are encouraged to send this application, along with all necessary supporting documents, to HSCaresAct@piercecountywa.gov.