More than three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skagit County has received an additional $2 million of rental assistance funds from the state to help curb evictions.
The county has spent more than $19.8 million to assist nearly 3,000 households with payments to landlords and utilities since September 2020. This round of Washington State Department of Commerce funding, the fourth since the pandemic began, is intended to help households avoid eviction.
Skagit County residents with a household income at or below 80% of the area median income can seek assistance paying for rent and utilities through the Skagit County Rental Assistance Program, operated by Skagit County Public Health. The program is designed to support residents who have missed or only partially paid a rent payment since March 2020 and still occupy the residence.
“As we continue to navigate the economic fallout created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional funding for the Skagit County Rental Assistance Program will provide critical support to households struggling to make ends meet,” Megan Starr, housing resource coordinator at public health, said in a news release.
“By ensuring that individuals and families have access to safe, stable housing, we can help to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of this crisis and build stronger, more resilient communities,” she added.
As of April 11, the Skagit County Rental Assistance Program is open to new applicants. Renters can apply online or contact Skagit Legal Aid for assistance with the application by phone at 360-230-8100 or by email at HJP@skagitvlp.org.
