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1. Who can help with rental assistance?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rental assistance is available. If you have been impacted by COVID-19 and need help with rent, visit www.piercecountywa.gov/housinghelp

2. Can you help me find a rental?

Community Connections does not assist the public in finding a rental. The Landlord Liaison Project (253-536-6200) may be able to provide assistance identifying affordable rental properties.

3. My lights are going to be shut off; can you help me?

The Energy Assistance Program provides fuel assistance to income qualified Pierce County residents only. If you live within the city limits of Tacoma contact the Metropolitan Development Council at 572-5557. If you are a county resident, call the Energy Assistance Line at (253) 798-3800 for information. It is important that you always remain in contact with your energy provider to make payment arrangements Energy Assistance Program

4. Where can I find assistance filing my Income Tax?

Associated Ministries is the lead agency for the Pierce County Asset Building Coalition (PCABC). In addition to free tax preparation sites located throughout Pierce County, PCABC offers financial education and counseling. Please visit Associated Ministries’ website for a full list of free tax preparation sites Associated Ministries

5. Do you have money to help people with food?

United Way of Pierce County’s 2-1-1 is a free service that connects people with local resources. Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone, or get connected by downloading the WIN 2-1-1 app.

6. I need a lawyer; can you help me ?

The Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association provides several services and they can be reached at 253-383-3432. There is a fee for this service.
In addition, the Northwest Justice Project provides some legal services to low-income persons. They can be reached at 253-272-7879. Northwest Justice Project

7. My home is not handicap accessible; can you make it accessible?

If an individual has a permanent disability that requires housing modification or barrier removal and the family income is less than 80% of median income, they may be able to receive a loan to complete repairs on their home. Please see the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program page on Community Connections’ website.

8. When does energy assistance start?

The Energy Assistance Program starts in late November or early December, but is dependent upon funding. Program participants must meet income guidelines to receive energy assistance. For program information, please call the Energy Assistance Line at (253) 798-3800 or visit Energy Assistance Program

9. How do I get my child into Head Start or ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program)?

Families receiving public assistance grants, and children in foster care are eligible, as are many families with limited incomes. The majority of children enrolled in ECEAP and Head Start programs are four years old by August 31, some centers are able to enroll three year olds. Your child may be enrolled by calling (253) 798-7379. Pierce County Community Services, Community Action Programs operates programs in Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley, South Hill, Eatonville, University Place and Orting. In addition, Community Action includes the Avanza ECEAP which is an ECEAP Program designed to meet the needs of the Hispanic population. ECEAP and Head Start

10. Do you do screenings that help me know how my baby is developing?

Information and options for developmental screening for children ages birth to six may be accessed at

• Pierce County Birth To Three, 253-798-3790 or e-mail [email protected]
• Local school district’s Child Find Program
• Child’s primary care provider
• The Help Me Grow-WA program website. ParentHelp123

11. Can you help me with my GED?

United Way of Pierce County’s 2-1-1 is a free service that connects people with local resources. Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone, or get connected by downloading the WIN 2-1-1 app.

12. I need job skills; do you have a program that can help me?

The CAREER Program has several training programs to help income qualified individuals gain job skills, and work experience. The Community Jobs program can place participants in a non-profit organization for twenty hours a week to learn new skills or enhance existing skills. The CAREER program can also refer participants to short or long term vocational training programs to help attain job skills.

13. I am about to be homeless; where can I go?

Please contact Access Point for Housing at (253) 682-3401 for information about homeless housing and services.

14. Will weatherization provide me with free new windows?

The Weatherization Program has funding that is targeted to income qualified Pierce County residents. An energy audit is completed and the results determine cost effective measures for installation. Homes with occupants suffering from asthma are a high priority for Weatherization. Weatherization