What is Community Action’s goal when creating partner relationships?
We are working alongside local landlords to help provide housing stability services for individuals who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness. We hope to establish, maintain and strengthen relationships with landlords and business owners throughout Skagit County.
What programs do we offer?
- One-time Assistance– This can typically help with move-in expenses or arrears for eligible households. Households have the option to continue to engage in case management services if needed or desired.
- Short Term Assistance– Eligible households could qualify for move-in expenses and on-going assistance of up to 24 months. This program requires on-going case management for as long as the household is enrolled.
- Long-Term Assistance– Eligible households could qualify for move-in expenses and on-going assistance for as long as the household needs assistance. This program requires on-going case management for as long as the household is enrolled.
What is our Housing First program attributes?
Within the Care Coordination program, we offer a variety of services depending on household eligibility for specific programs. This can vary from light touch case management, to limited financial assistance to on-going financial assistance. Our goal is for clients to utilize these programs in a way that works best, for their situation.
- Quick and timely deposit and/or rent payments
- Efficient paperwork processes to approve new tenants
- Tenant coaching for how to maintain a safe and healthy apartment
- Coaching and support with addressing tenant issues such as lease violations
- You would be providing a second-chance to a family or household to get stabilized and reach their fullest potential
- For households enrolled in rental assistance programs, landlords will receive guaranteed rent payments, for our portion of rent.
- Support in submitting an application of Mitigation Funds through the state program if damages do occur to the unit or property caused by the tenant
- Regular inspections of units by program staff
- Regular home visits to offer services to tenants
- Eviction planning and prevention strategies
- Designated point of contact to call if problems arise
What is case management?
Case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client’s health and human service needs. It is characterized by advocacy, communication, and resource management while promoting autonomy and positive self-efficacy.
What are the next step items?
Once partnered, we will have landlords fill out the following forms prior to tenant move-in:
- *Most of our grants require inspection of unit before lease signing to ensure safety and habitability of property
- Program Pledge
- W-9
- Direct Deposit (optional)
- Once paperwork and inspection has been completed, we will process and mail checks within 10 business days or Direct Deposit (ACH) within 3 days. On-going rental assistance will be posted 2-3 days before the 1st of the month.
Client Testimonials
In partnering with Community Action, you have the opportunity to give back to the community and help people meet their goals. Here are some client testimonials that staff have assisted with, in the past.
Please note, clients have given permission via written consent to share their stories.
“I was with my husband for 21 years until he passed away unexpectedly in July. I had no choice but to move into my car with my two cats. I lived in my car for many months until I was connected with Sierra at Community Action and Nina at AFC. Nina helped me get into a temporary motel for the cold winter months and Sierra helped me to apply for and eventually move into an apartment of my own. Community Action saved my life and I don’t know where I would be without them.”
– Community Action Client, Cynthia Omdahl
“Estrella has helped my family during the process of moving from the shelter to our new home. Patience with me was a key thing because I can be kind of hard to work with. Community Action has been a huge blessing to us. Thank you.”
– Community Action Client