Washington State Department of Commerce
Washington

The Housing and Essential Needs Referral program provides access to essential needs items and potential rental assistance for low-income individuals who are unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical and/or mental incapacity. While DSHS/CSD determines eligibility for the referral to the HEN program, actual eligibility for rental assistance and essential needs items is determined by the Department of Commerce through a network of homeless and homeless prevention service providers.

Assistance Distributed By
City or county administrator; Nonprofit or for-profit providers
Funding Source
General revenue
Funding Year
2023
Program Status
Active
Total Funding
$62,063,500
Website
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/homelessness/consolidated-homel…
Amount Provided
$1,318.30 average per month
How Provided?
Rental assistance paid to landlord, housing agency, or approved vendor only
Data Collected by Program
Income; Race; Ethnicity; Disability Status; Age
Program Type
Tenant-based rental assistance
Income Eligibility Threshold
The program does not limit eligibility based on income
Duration
No predetermined time limit
Assistance Used For
Rent arrears
Current and/or future rent
Security deposits and relocation fees
Info Source
Program administrator survey response
Last Updated
4/27/23 12:28
Other Eligibility Requirements

Persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Required Documents

Required for income (general), housing instability, lease. Self-attestation permitted for housing instability.

Coordinates Eligibility With

Department(s) of health, mental or behavioral health, &/or social services

Amount Calculation Method

Other calculation method

Eligibility Limitations

Does not limit eligibility on these criteria