Pierce County Resource Guide to Services and Supports for Individuals
Who Experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
(section links below).
Please call our office at 253.564.0707 to make arrangements to pick up your copy!
Dear Reader:
This Pierce County Resource Guide is dedicated to the hard work and commitment of those who have endeavored
timelessly over the years to “keep the promise.”
We want to acknowledge the generous support of Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities
Program, in providing the funds to update and print this important comprehensive guide to services and supports
for individuals who experience intellectual/ developmental disabilities. This important tool will assist you in
navigating the public and private programs and services available throughout Pierce County and beyond.
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals
and families in finding the services and programs that best meet your needs. We are here to answer your calls
if you need further assistance. Whether you are an individual who experiences an intellectual/developmental
disability, have a family member who experiences an intellectual/developmental disability, work within the disability
field, or are in the general community, we welcome your questions and concerns.
We acknowledge that, when compiling this complex list of resources, there are changes that can occur during the
production process. Please know that every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of agency
information.
No matter where you live, there is a drug rehab center that can help you overcome your addiction. We can help you find treatment based on your location, budget, and specific needs and help you get started quickly.
Adult Protective Services receives and investigates reports of allegations of abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults living in the community and in facilities.
The American Red Cross Northwest Region brings together local volunteers to care for their neighbors, trains hundreds of thousands of people each year in life-saving skills, and responds to a local disaster almost daily. With offices located throughout the state, we serve the people, businesses and communities of Washington.
Angel One Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation that is dedicated to helping others in need. We are both domestic and International in scope, with outreach potential in several states and foreign countries. The types of needs we support are material in nature, such as food, clothing, job-search assistance, emergency housing, assistance with emergency dwelling repairs, rent/mortgage emergency, emergency medical/dental/eye-care services, insurance emergency, transportation emergency, daycare emergency, elderly emergency help, etc. Our outreach in the international communities consists of assisting missionaries in their endeavors (financial, technology, transportation, communication, housing, etc.). We assist the missionaries with international projects, such as food for the hungry, clothing, housing, orphanages, teaching, and other civic needs similar to our described statements above. Please visit our website for more information on locations and times for our local events, food bank, bread bank, and clothing bank.
Associated Ministries is an organization that works with interfaith partners who are deeply engaged in transforming our communities. We work together toward lasting solutions to homelessness. As a crossroad for communication and cooperation, we engage and equip faith communities and persons of good will to address the many needs in Pierce County through advocacy, education, and service. Associated Ministries' Center for Direct Services works with families and individuals throughout Pierce County to build a stronger community by building stronger households. Many of our direct services focus upon housing as the foundation for dignity, stability, and growth. These services include providing Centralized Intake for Homelessness Intervention through Access Point for Housing (AP4H); assisting families and individuals with re-housing; working with faith communities to reduce barriers to housing and to create new affordable housing; and youth homelessness prevention. The Center for Direct Services strives to work with households from a strength-based approach, identifying the strengths and supports that a household already possesses, and connecting to community and more formal resources to help build toward self-sufficiency. In connecting to the community, we seek to engage volunteers in ways that are meaningful for the households and volunteers.
Casteele Williams and Associates Comprehensive Behavioral Health
- Tacoma
Our work is to assist you through life's challenges, to provide you the tools you need to overcome the very real adversity you face and to help strengthen your resolve to establish a fulfilling life you are proud of. We find what works for your unique situation and help you find solutions that empower you first of all, for yourself and for those you care about in your life. Many life issues are inter-related. We offer in-house many related services to make this experience easier. We provide services for mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence, parenting, and veterans.
We believe the elderly should be able to live in security and dignity. Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services provide a variety of services to seniors and to people with disabilities that dignifies each individual while providing the needed tools to help extend independent living and promote physical and mental well being. As our senior population continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new ways to provide solutions to a variety of care challenges and opportunities. Historically, CCS has provided home care services that enable seniors and people with disabilities to remain in their own homes. In addition, we provide this to people with low or no income, as well as to people who are able to pay for the service. An outgrowth of our home care programs has been the recognition that low income seniors who are not homebound need nutritional meals and socialization. To this end, numerous senior meal sites as well as Meals on Wheels have been established in Pierce County. Other services to seniors and people with disabilities include referrals through Volunteer Services, a vast network of help that matches volunteers to the needs of seniors and others; low income housing, and volunteer transportation.
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
Child Protective Services
- Lakewood
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
Child Protective Services
- Puyallup
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
Child Protective Services is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. Child safety is the first concern of Child Protective Services. They will work with both parents to safely care for their child. CPS can also go to court to remove a child from the parents' care if necessary to protect the child. CPS files a "dependency petition" with the court if it believes that the child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of harm and must be removed from the mother and/or father's care. This begins a court process called a dependency case. At the court hearings, the CPS worker and both the mother and the father can provide information to the court. The judge or commissioner decides issues such as where the child should live, what services are needed to support the family and/or return the child to his or her mother or father and how often visits between the parents and child should occur.
Community Youth Services, (CYS), a non-profit charitable organization, has helped improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of homeless, runaway, abused and at-risk-youth in the South Sound area since 1970. Provides shelter and drop-in center. For more information regarding our program services, please call our office.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
Comprehensive Life Resources (formerly Comprehensive Mental Health) is a private, not-for-profit community mental health agency providing a continuum of behavioral health and community support services. Services include: children’s counseling, foster care support, family advocacy, homeless outreach, supported employment, on-site genoa pharmacy, gang prevention, adult counseling/peer support, and substance use services. We are committed to a recovery-focused, whole health approach and philosophy that considers and embraces the whole person. We are social workers, therapists, case managers, peer support counselors, psychiatrists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists.
As part of the strategic plan to end homelessness in Pierce County and design a “best practice” model to access homeless services, Associated Ministries, Catholic Community Services, and Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare has contracted with Pierce County to provide Coordinated Entry for homeless individuals and families. Homeless households will have creative, problem solving conversations with a Coordinated Entry Specialist about their current homeless crisis. Coordinated Entry Specialists will act as thought partners as a plan is developed to end the household’s current homeless crisis. The client driven plan could result in independent housing, referrals to housing programs, or referrals to other resources in the community.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, we are here to help. You’ll find all the professional support and resources you need under one roof. Professionals from a wide variety of social service and government agencies have joined together to work at the Center to offer help and support to clients as they determine their next steps.
The mission of the Eatonville Family Agency is to serve individuals, families and senior citizens in need and to reduce the impact of poverty through a variety of social services and community programs. We provide services and programs to help our community members in need. We provide a food bank, backpack food program for school students, clothing bank, senior citizen activities, DSHS basic food and medical enrollment assistance, holiday food and toys, school supplies, and so much more. If you live in the Eatonville or rural southeast Pierce County area and you need assistance, please call or come by the office.
With its combination of working farm, Repack Project, and distribution warehouse, Emergency Food Network is unique. It is one of the only non-profit emergency food distribution centers in the country capable of growing, purchasing, storing and distributing food - taking food straight from the land to the tables of those in need. We are not a food bank, but we do give referrals to local food banks.
Exodus Housing provides rapid rehousing (permanent housing), monthly rental assistance, and case management supportive services to low income households who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence. We can also serve families that may be attempting to flee from the abuser but has not had the opportunity to do so.
Family Housing Network serves low-income families in Pierce County and military veteran households in King, Pierce, Thurston, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Cowlitz, Pacific or Wahkiakum Counties. We provide assistance to house families experiencing homelessness, while helping to connect them with resources that maximize stability and self-sufficiency, in order to prevent future homelessness.
Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program serving runaway adolescents, and youth in conflict with their families. The program targets adolescents between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out of home placement. They are not long term services. The services will assess and stabilize the family's situation. The goal is to return the family to a pre-crisis state and to work with the family to identify alternative methods of handling similar conflicts. If longer-term service needs are identified, FRS will help facilitate getting the youth and his/her family into on-going services.
Since 1986 through our confidential shelters and programs we have offered the necessities of safety and life to domestic violence victims who are at highest risk. At first contact we do whatever it takes to get the victims and their children out of harm’s way. Besides our basic emergency services we provide an on-site technology center, survival self-defense classes, spiritual support, pet therapy, an animal kennel for victims’ pets, cars for families program, educational scholarships, relocation help and transitional housing.
Guardian Care Management has earned the respect of attorneys, accountants, investment advisors, and our clients because of our reliability and professionalism. Our years of experience include working with people who have diagnoses like cancer, dementia, developmental disability, mental illness, and others. We have worked with trusts, rental properties, and veteran’s benefits. Guardian Care Management is always on your side, working to uphold our commitment to you and be an advocate for your wishes and preferences. Services include: nurse advocate, medication review, memory wellness, palliative/end of life guide, DPOA (attorney in fact) for healthcare, home safety evaluation, relocation assistance, independence at home, bill pay services, insurance review, benefits research, DPOA for finances, trustee, standby guardian, will executor, and safe driving referrals. Please visit our website for more information.
Helping Hand House provides emergency shelter and housing solutions to families in our community, ending their crisis of homelessness. We provide urgent relief with trust, dignity, respect and compassion while we help them secure their new home - helping moms, dads, and kids rekindle their hope for a better future. We are partners in the Pierce County plan to end homelessness. To that end, access to our programs begins with a referral through the coordinated entry process for households which are experiencing homelessness. Coordinated entry can be reached by calling (253) 682-3401. We can not take direct referrals from clients or advocates.
We provide senior programs and a food bank (with free bread and produce when available). We are also a government surplus site for TFAP (Temporary Food Assistance Program).
Korean Women’s Association (KWA) provides services in 11 western Washington counties and employs 1,400+ employees to serve the diverse needs of more than 10,000 people each year. Our programs and services include senior wellness, benefit enrollment, citizenship support, elder abuse advocacy, domestic violence advocacy and shelter, community and behavioral health navigation, in-home care, senior activity centers, community centers, and affordable housing. We provide multi-cultural, multi-lingual human services, regardless of race or ethnic background, to diverse communities through education, socialization, advocacy, and support. We are the leader in serving multi-cultural, multi-lingual communities to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
The Lifeline cell phone program provided by Access Wireless offers mobile phone service to eligible residents as part of the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline is intended to help individuals experiencing financial hardship stay connected to family members, schools and child care providers, as well as be reachable to potential employers and have a means of communicating in case of an emergency. The valuable service that Lifeline provides is designed to be a bridge for those striving for self-sufficiency.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Tacoma
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded block grant administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services. The program’s intent is to assist low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. In Washington state, LIHEAP assists households whose incomes are at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. These households pay a much higher proportion of their incomes for their home heating needs. As a result, they are at risk of losing access to heat during cold-weather months. The program is designed to help these families keep their heat on, especially those households that are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children. LIHEAP primarily assists households by applying an energy assistance grant directly to the energy provider on behalf of the eligible household. In some situations, LIHEAP may also be able to help repair or replace an unsafe, dysfunctional, and/or inoperative heating system. Households who are eligible for LIHEAP may also qualify to have their homes made more energy efficient through the Weatherization Program.
To provide children in need with great clothes, personal care items, school supplies and other resources so they are nicely attired, clean, groomed and outfitted for learning unencumbered by derision and ridicule from their peers, thereby boosting their self-image and potential for success in school and thus, in life. Referrals are required, please contact your local assistance organization to see if they are one of our partners. If you are in need, please call the message phone, leave a message, and someone will get back to you.
Since opening in 1989, we’ve put a major emphasis on reaching out to those in need. The theory being, it’s less costly and easier to prevent homelessness than it is to cure it. Families are encouraged to come to us before they find themselves on the street. They are able to come in and discuss their situation with a volunteer who evaluates their needs and pledges the funds necessary to assist with paying water bills, new prescriptions, or some bus tickets. These preventive measures have proven to be a supportive and dignified way to keep families in their homes.
Program staff and certified volunteers work in nursing homes, adult family homes, and boarding homes. Certified ombudsmen are a listening ear and a voice for residents of long-term care settings. Ombudsmen educate residents, staff, families and the community about long-term care issues, resources, resident rights and quality of life in long-term care settings. A certified ombudsman is assigned to visit with residents in long term care facilities. Each volunteer receives extensive training before being assigned. Frequent in-service training is scheduled during regularly held monthly meetings. In addition, the ombudsman is informed as to other training available in the area and is encouraged to attend. Please visit our website for more information.
When unimaginable crises threaten people’s lives and futures, Lutheran Community Services Northwest offers healing, help and hope. We help vulnerable children, families, refugees and others overcome life’s most difficult challenges to become contributing members of our communities. Our mission is grounded in faith and the ideals of inclusiveness and justice. We respect, serve and advocate for all no matter their religion, ethnicity, sexuality or other personal attributes. Some programs offered in Pierce County include: caregiver services (fostering caregiver wellness, home care, meals on wheels), refugee resettlement, retired and senior volunteer program (RSVP), Santa for seniors, senior advocacy, dementia friendly action coalition (DFAC), senior companion, senior friends, senior media services (Senior Scene newspaper and Where to Turn guide), and social engagement (zoo walk, memory cafes and music mends minds). Please visit our website for more information.
Metropolitan Development Council is a vital community resource for Tacoma and Pierce County. Founded in 1964 as a non-profit Community Action Agency, MDC responds to community needs by providing services in the areas of healthcare, housing, education, and employment that address the challenges faced by low-income individuals and families. MDC provides services focused on improving the health and well-being of very low income individuals. Continuing economic struggles for many in Tacoma’s low income communities requires that we all to work together if we are to sustain what has been accomplished and continue to grow. MDC is responding to this challenge with new board and staff leadership, investment in staff training and development, a leaner management structure, greater volunteer involvement and a commitment to continuous process improvement within our organization, as well as each of our 40 programs.
The Pantry's primary objective is to help improve the lives of families struggling financially. Since opening its doors to the community in 1999, My Sister's Pantry has become one of the busiest food banks in the Tacoma area. We are open three times a month to serve a substantial hot meal, distribute groceries, and provide a store-like where clients can "shop" for men's, women's, and children's clothing. My Sister's Pantry, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is an outreach program of First United Methodist Church of Tacoma. We serve 350+ families and individuals each month and annually distribute approximately 125,000 pounds of food.
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to the hotline can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization.
Nativity House is the largest, most comprehensive facility in Pierce County serving low-income and homeless adult men and women. Our goal is to provide for the basic needs of adult individuals experiencing homelessness, and offer concrete pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. The new Nativity House combines the services previously offered by three separate homeless adult services programs: Hospitality Kitchen, Nativity House, and Tacoma Avenue Shelter. Services are provided 365 days per year and include hot meals, day shelter, overnight shelter, mental health and chemical dependency assessments and referrals, rapid re-housing, access to mainstream public benefits such as Medicare and SSI, and job training. The new Nativity House also includes a new program, the Nativity House Apartments, which provides 50 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless single adults with disabilities.
Nativity House is the largest, most comprehensive facility in Pierce County serving low-income and homeless adult men and women. Our goal is to provide for the basic needs of adult individuals experiencing homelessness, and offer concrete pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. The new Nativity House combines the services previously offered by three separate homeless adult services programs: Hospitality Kitchen, Nativity House, and Tacoma Avenue Shelter. Services are provided 365 days per year and include hot meals, day shelter, overnight shelter, mental health and chemical dependency assessments and referrals, rapid re-housing, access to mainstream public benefits such as Medicare and SSI, and job training. The new Nativity House also includes a new program, the Nativity House Apartments, which provides 50 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless single adults with disabilities.
Nativity House is the largest, most comprehensive facility in Pierce County serving low-income and homeless adult men and women. Our goal is to provide for the basic needs of adult individuals experiencing homelessness, and offer concrete pathways to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. The new Nativity House combines the services previously offered by three separate homeless adult services programs: Hospitality Kitchen, Nativity House, and Tacoma Avenue Shelter. Services are provided 365 days per year and include hot meals, day shelter, overnight shelter, mental health and chemical dependency assessments and referrals, rapid re-housing, access to mainstream public benefits such as Medicare and SSI, and job training. The new Nativity House also includes a new program, the Nativity House Apartments, which provides 50 units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless single adults with disabilities.
Need-A-Break Services is a non-profit faith-based foundation that is devoted to helping people succeed through meeting needs in our community and motivating others to serve their neighbor. We provide direct service through home repairs, vehicle repairs, and other gifts. We also work closely with our charity partners to organize volunteer crews, provide donations, and promote events.
Nourish Pierce County provides nutritious food and support services to people in need with compassion, dignity and respect. Through our network of seven food banks and two mobile food banks serving seventeen additional sites, we provide food directly to people in need across Pierce County, Washington.
NW Furniture Bank collects gently used furniture and distributes it to people in need. Individuals come to us thorough partner agency referrals. For information about donating furniture or a list of agencies who can make a referral, please visit our website.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Maternity Center is located in the basement of the Catholic Community Services building (directly behind St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.) This is a part of our parish PREPARES Ministry, whose purpose is to provide spiritual and material help to mothers, pregnant women, and their young children (infant to age 8). The Center is open every Monday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., and is staffed by teams of parishioners. The Tuesday team sorts donations, restocks, and puts together layettes. The Center offers maternity and infant clothing, newborn carseats, newborn layettes, children's clothing, diapers, formula, and toys - but no furniture. No appointment is necessary.
Information about state-benefit programs and local resources is not always easily accessible and eligibility rules can be confusing and applying difficult. ParentHelp123 offers a simple, integrated, family focused path to help. ParentHelp123.org, is operated by the statewide non-profit WithinReach, and helps Washington State families find services in their communities and apply for health insurance, food assistance programs and more. The website also provides important health information for pregnant women, children and families. Please visit our website for more information and resouces to help your child with special needs.
Pat’s Closet is located in Trinity’s basement, and provides neighborhood residents with specific items donated by individuals from Tacoma. Historically, Pat's Closet has served over 1,500 children and 2,000 adults annually.
Pierce County ALERT is a free service that allows you to sign up and receive notifications about emergencies that may affect the locations you care about. This service allows fire, police and other agencies dealing with emergency response to send out accurate and up-to-date information that they feel residents should be informed on. Receive alerts your cell phone, home phone, email, text messages and TTY/TDD. Choose up to five locations you want to be notified about such as your residence, workplace, children’s school and more. Sign up online or call the office.
The mission of the Pierce County Alliance is to be a leader in the provision of human services, specializing in substance abuse and mental health services for individuals, families, and the community. The organization strives for client satisfaction through continuous quality improvement of services that are cost efficient and have measurable outcomes. The Pierce County Alliance meets or exceeds all federal, state, and local regulations for certification and licensing as a behavioral care provider. In addition, PCA is authorized by the State of Washington to license foster home. PCA facilities are in full compliance with the American Disabilities Act and PCA staff are sensitive to, and adept at working with ethnic and cultural minorities. PCA’s qualified program services include: substance use dependency (SUD) treatment, mental health therapeutic services and co-occurring SUD treatment, and youth services. Please visit our website for more information.
Pierce County Emergency Management (PCEM)
- Tacoma
It is the mission of Pierce County Emergency Management to create resilent communitites and enhance public safety by empowering the whole community in Pierce County to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of hazards, emergencies and disasters. (See more detailed information in the Disaster Information category section.)
Churches of the Plateau Ministerial Association have joined with members of Enumclaw Plateau Communities to help those in crisis, translating Christ’s call to “Love Thy Neighbor” into action. Plateau Outreach Ministries (POM) focuses on basic needs: food, clothing, housing, emergency financial assistance and case management, including counseling referrals, for issues causing crises. Today the services provided by POM extend beyond senior citizens to children, individuals and families - all of our neighbors in need of assistance.
Public Assistance - Community Service Offices (CSO), DSHS
- Tacoma
Services we offer: aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance program (ABD), child care subsidy programs (CCSP), child support services, DSHS emergency programs, family planning services, housing and essential needs, medical assistance programs, pregnant women assistance program (PWA), refugee cash assistance (RCA), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), voter registratino assistance, washington basic food program, and workforce innovation. Please visit out website for more information and how to apply.
Public Assistance - Community Service Offices (CSO), DSHS
- Puyallup
Services we offer: aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance program (ABD), child care subsidy programs (CCSP), child support services, DSHS emergency programs, family planning services, housing and essential needs, medical assistance programs, pregnant women assistance program (PWA), refugee cash assistance (RCA), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), voter registratino assistance, washington basic food program, and workforce innovation. Please visit out website for more information and how to apply.
Public Assistance - Community Service Offices (CSO), DSHS
- Lakewood
Services we offer: aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance program (ABD), child care subsidy programs (CCSP), child support services, DSHS emergency programs, family planning services, housing and essential needs, medical assistance programs, pregnant women assistance program (PWA), refugee cash assistance (RCA), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), voter registratino assistance, washington basic food program, and workforce innovation. Please visit out website for more information and how to apply.
Public Assistance - Community Service Offices (CSO), DSHS
- Tacoma
Services we offer: aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance program (ABD), child care subsidy programs (CCSP), child support services, DSHS emergency programs, family planning services, housing and essential needs, medical assistance programs, pregnant women assistance program (PWA), refugee cash assistance (RCA), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), voter registratino assistance, washington basic food program, and workforce innovation. Please visit out website for more information and how to apply.
Public Assistance - Community Service Offices (CSO), DSHS
- Bremerton
Services we offer: aged, blind, or disabled cash assistance program (ABD), child care subsidy programs (CCSP), child support services, DSHS emergency programs, family planning services, housing and essential needs, medical assistance programs, pregnant women assistance program (PWA), refugee cash assistance (RCA), temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), voter registratino assistance, washington basic food program, and workforce innovation. Please visit out website for more information and how to apply.
Relatives Raising Children keeps families intact by providing resources and advocacy to kinship and relative caregivers who are raising children not theirs by birth. Some of the reasons children come to live with relatives include death, deployment, incarceration or abandonment. These newly formed families need information and resources to help manage the initial transition process. Services are available to Pierce County residents at no cost. Services include: information, referral, resources, advocacy, IMPACT seminars (non-parental custody), Hopescloset, counseling, relatives raising children support groups, scholarships for youth activities, emergency assistance, and community resouces.
Resource to Initiate Successful Employment (RISE) Program
- Tacoma
The RISE program offers assistance to those on Basic Food (SNAP Food Benefits) in obtaining employment at a livable wage through services providing case management, job experience, and employment and training assistance.
Resource to Initiate Successful Employment (RISE) Program
- Lakewood
The RISE program offers assistance to those on Basic Food (SNAP Food Benefits) in obtaining employment at a livable wage through services providing case management, job experience, and employment and training assistance.
ResponseLINK has been serving seniors, caretakers, and medical professionals for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on allowing seniors to live independently and with peace of mind. Our U.S. based call centers are staffed with certified EMTs 24 hours a day to keep you safe around the clock. We are an industry leader in rapid response times, getting you the help you need when you need it with our medical alert systems. To keep you safe, each of our systems includes: 24/7 U.S. based emergency monitoring, unlimited button presses, free tech support, 30 day money back guarantee (refund not applicable for quarterly monthly service plans) and personalized responders. We are now offering fall detection, mobile medical alert, and wireless systems (no landline required). Please visit our website for more information.
First, we assess the needs of each community in which we serve. We work to understand the obstacles, hardships, and challenges native to the area's particular population. Next, we build local programs designed to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community. Then, we offer the local programs to the local community, working to continually optimize their efficacy via spiritual, physical, and emotional service. What we do: help disaster survivors, cure hunger, overcome poverty, serve the LGBTQ community, provide shelter, fight human trafficking, stop domestic violence, equip families, teach kids, empower the arts, assist the unemployed, combat addiction, love the elderly, serve veterans, share God’s love, and meet the greatest need. Please visit our website for more information.
First, we assess the needs of each community in which we serve. We work to understand the obstacles, hardships, and challenges native to the area's particular population. Next, we build local programs designed to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community. Then, we offer the local programs to the local community, working to continually optimize their efficacy via spiritual, physical, and emotional service. What we do: help disaster survivors, cure hunger, overcome poverty, serve the LGBTQ community, provide shelter, fight human trafficking, stop domestic violence, equip families, teach kids, empower the arts, assist the unemployed, combat addiction, love the elderly, serve veterans, share God’s love, and meet the greatest need. Please visit our website for more information.
Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County serves the community by offering the following programs: advocacy, therapy, Sex Trafficking Response & Awareness Program of Washington, education and prevention. We offer immediate assistance and support, counseling for individuals, couples and families, classes and presentations to bring awareness, and 24-hour crisis intervention and case management. We offer support toward healing through advocacy and therapy for those affected by sexual assault and abuse. Through education and collaboration, Rebuilding Hope improves the community’s response to sexual assault and abuse victims and challenges the behaviors and beliefs that promote sexual violence.
We offer Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) and Foundational Community Supports - Supportive Housing, representative payee and legal custodian services to eligible individuals, and professional guardianship & trustee services in Pierce, King, Snohomish and surrounding counties. Please visit our website for more information.
We offer Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) and Foundational Community Supports - Supportive Housing, representative payee and legal custodian services to eligible individuals, and professional guardianship & trustee services in Pierce, King, Snohomish and surrounding counties. Please visit our website for more information.
We offer Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) and Foundational Community Supports - Supportive Housing, representative payee and legal custodian services to eligible individuals, and professional guardianship & trustee services in Pierce, King, Snohomish and surrounding counties. Please visit our website for more information.
The American Red Cross and Pierce County Emergency Management decide when and where to open shelters. People are encouraged to bring personal comfort items, medication, and toiletries to shelters. Pets are only allowed at certain sites.
Sound Outreach provides compassionate guidance and beneficial tools for individuals and communities to move from financial insecurity to financial wellness and prosperity. In 1996, Senior Outreach Services was launched to fill a gap in the availability of outreach services to seniors and people with disabilities in Pierce County. In 2001, we broadened our services, becoming South Sound Outreach Services. Today, we are simply, Sound Outreach, focused on helping find solutions for residents in the Pierce County region through a “no wrong door” approach. Please visit our website for more information on services, stories, events, and more information.
If you need emergency assistance to help pay for basic needs, such as rent, utilities, gas, food, clothing or links to other resources, we want to help. We review all requests and try to respond in a timely manner. Due to an increase in requests, it may take up to 72 hours to get a call back. We may also request a home or office visit to find out what you need. You do not need to be a member of any religion or faith to receive help. We welcome all who seek our services. Please email us or call the Helpline. Include your basic information, zip code and assistance requested and a team member will contact you within 24-72 hours, either from our office or one of our St. Vincent Parish Conferences.
If you need emergency assistance to help pay for basic needs, such as rent, utilities, gas, food, clothing or links to other resources, we want to help. We review all requests and try to respond in a timely manner. Due to an increase in requests, it may take up to 72 hours to get a call back. We may also request a home or office visit to find out what you need. You do not need to be a member of any religion or faith to receive help. We welcome all who seek our services. Please email us or call the Helpline. Include your basic information, zip code and assistance requested and a team member will contact you within 24-72 hours, either from our office or one of our St. Vincent Parish Conferences.
We are a family support center offering a wide variety of human service programs, resources, health services, information and referrals. Our goal is to work with the community and empower the family unit. We offer a variety of programs and services to the community that include: parent support groups, parenting classes, home visits, intervention services and resources, services in Spanish, family events, and sewing classes.
We help all people, including clients, volunteers, donors and staff, to become their best. We provide emergency services such as shelter and food to the homeless or hurting; offer self-sufficiency programs to help lift a person from poverty and break the chains of addiction; support prevention programs and share our Christian faith. We offer emergency meals, emergency shelter, addiction recovery and a clothing room. Please visit our website for more information.
Our mission is to assist African Americans and other underserved urban residents in the achievement of social equality and economic independence. The Tacoma Urban League has worked in a variety of ways to strengthen and support the local African American community. The Tacoma Urban League is devoted to empowering African Americans and other disenfranchised groups to enter the economic and social mainstream. From its earliest days in the civil rights movement, through years of partnership with government and public agencies, the Tacoma Urban League has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the South Puget Sound African American community.
Numerous food banks are operated throughout Pierce County. Hours and days of operation can change. Please visit the website for a location near you and call first to confirm hours and requirements. (Many food banks require an appointment as well as proof of ID, residency, social security, etc. Some may limit number of visits per year.)
The Bread Basket Food & Clothing Bank
- University Place
The Bread Basket is dedicated to meeting the needs of less fortunate families and individuals of Pierce County by providing food, clothing, and other resources throughout the year. Who we help: children, low income, disabled, domestic violence victims, homeless, military familes, senior citizens, and welfare-to-work familes and individuals. Please visit our website for more information.
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 that provide the residents of Tillicum and American Lake Gardens with a central facility to promote social, health, educational and cultural programs as well as offer assistance and referral services. We operate: SeaMar Medical Clinic, Women Infant Care Program (WIC), Senior Meal Site, Pierce County Branch Library, Family Emergency Preparedness, Clothes Closet, Food Bank, Senior Bingo, and Hall Rentals.
United Way of Pierce County’s history is rooted in partnerships - bringing people from different walks of life together to improve conditions for children, families and individuals. We strategically invest in and develop programs that are aligned to address the root issues of poverty. We partner with the private, public and non-profit sector to leverage resources and educate the community about interconnected issues. We support those efforts with volunteer help and in-kind goods. We advocate at the state and local level to make sure government resources for struggling families are available. We put every resource we have into breaking the cycle of poverty in Pierce County.
Upholding the rights of victims is a top priority for the Prosecutor's Office. Victims and witnesses of crimes committed in Pierce County can contact the Victim Witness Assistance Services Unit for help. Specially trained advocates provide the following services to thousands of victims and witnesses every year: accompany victims and witnesses to court hearings and/or interviews; assistance in applying for Crime Victims Compensation; assistance in completing a Victim Impact Statement; referrals to local social service agencies and programs; requests for restitution for financial loss incurred as a result of the crime; written notification of charges, scheduled court dates and victims' rights.
The Washington Poison Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving the citizens of Washington state since 1956. Our specialists in poison information answer more than 63,000 calls a year from Washingtonians related to poisoning and toxic exposures. We are always here to help, 24/7/365. As one of 55 poison centers nationwide, the Washington Poison Center is the public health safety net for poisoning and toxic exposures in Washington state. Our unique wraparound care model follows patients from initial call to resolution, with a dedicated expert level team of certified specialists in poison information checking in every step of the way. The Washington Poison Center serves as a resource for public policy makers and public health leaders in forecasting emerging public health trends. Our medical staff is regularly called upon to present toxic trends and best practices in treatment to medical professionals throughout Washington state.
The Washington Recovery Help Line is a program of Crisis Connections. We offer an anonymous, confidential 24-hour help line for Washington State residents. This help line is for those experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge. Our professionally-trained volunteers and staff provide emotional support. They can also connect callers with local treatment resources or more community services.
Washington State 211 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. 211 is always ready to assist you in finding the help you need. Dial 211 from anywhere in Washington State and you will reach a highly-trained information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community. Washington 211 has a database of over 27,000 resources to help you find the right services. Referrals are usually given over the phone or can be emailed or text to you. In crisis situations a warm transfer can be made directly to crisis specialists or 911. TTY for the deaf and hard of hearing and interpreter services are also available in 140+ languages.
The Yellow Dot program is a traffic safety initiative that provides first responders with critical personal medical information necessary to treat victims at the crash site. Because the first hour or the "golden hour," following an injury is the most crucial, this information can mean the difference between life and death.
Wear It Out is a ministry that serves up to 300 people with free clothing every Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Lead by Ruth. Please call or visit our website for more information.
We provide energy assistance (Pierce County residents only) and basic food applications. We also offer evidence based parenting programs and links to community resources.
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As an inclusionary non-profit organization, YWCA Pierce County provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence and their children. All survivors are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Bilingual staff and interpretation services eliminate language barriers and ease transitions for all of our clients. The YWCA serves over 15,000 adults and children annually, who are seeking help due to domestic violence. YWCA Pierce County is dedicated to transforming lives through safety, healing, and empowerment. Please visit our website for more information.
The YWCA Support Shelter serves parents and their children who are fleeing domestic violence situations. The shelter provides basic needs for adults and their children for up to 90 days. During their stay, clients can access individualized case management, education, counseling, support groups, children's services, and 24-hour on-site advocacy. The shelter program is gender inclusive and also accepts pets. Those seeking shelter should call the 24/7 crisis line and complete a phone screening/lethality assessment.
