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.
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.
Our mission at Catholic Community Services is to serve all people, especially the poor and most vulnerable, with compassion, love and respect. The Tahoma Family Center, housed in the renovated St. Leo High School Building in the heart of Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood, is the hub for more than 25 different programs. By carefully integrating our services with those of other agencies in the community, we are able to mend broken lives and nourish self-sufficiency within individuals and families throughout Pierce County. CCS functions as the primary referral source for the crisis line for children and youth who are less than 18 years of age and are experiencing a mental health crisis, and their families. Please visit our website for more information on our programs.
Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and the general public to information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to programs, research, laws and policies, training resources, statistics, and much more.
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.
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.
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.
The Fair Housing Center of Washington (FHCW) is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending illegal discrimination through the provision of fair housing education, outreach, and enforcement services to the residents of western Washington. Services include information and referral, complaint investigation, and advocacy. FHCW can provide resources and assistance regarding housing rights for persons with disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mercy Housing is one of the nation’s largest affordable housing organizations. We participate in the development, preservation, management and/or financing of affordable, program-enriched housing across the country. We acquire and renovate existing housing, as well as develop new affordable rental properties. Our mission is to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities by developing, financing, and operating affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors, and people with special needs who lack the economic resources to access quality, safe housing opportunities.
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.
We provide housing, services, treatment, and support to Pierce County mothers and children impacted by chemical dependence, to help them achieve and maintain reunification through healing, self-sufficiency, and clean & sober living. New Phoebe House provides a healthy, safe, and communal environment where women and children experience a family setting in a beautifully restored Victorian house. Sleeping quarters, play areas, living area, common kitchen / dining facility, and laundry facilities provide over 5,000 square feet to support healthy family reunification. As residents are assured that their day-to-day needs are met, they can focus on remaining clean and sober, developing job skills, gaining education, becoming financially literate, building a resource network, and increasing parenting skills. This comprehensive approach allows the women and children to live in the New Phoebe House for up to two years. At the end of this time period, the program goals aim for each woman to be self-sufficient, more resilient, able to parent in a loving and safe manner, and transition to more permanent housing.
Partners4Housing has developed an innovative housing model for people with disabilities that involves families collaborating with other families to create a shared living solution. Shared living is when people with disabilities live together to share housing and support services that may include caregiving, supervision, shopping, cooking, cleaning, medication management, money management, planning social and recreational activities, transportation, representative payee services, benefits coordination, and more. The essence of our model is that compatible families commit to working together to identify and secure appropriate housing and services, and they collaborate to make the shared solution successful.
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 Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2)
PC2 is a parent-driven 501(c)3 organization responsible for providing clear, consistent information for families and individuals who experience developmental disabilities in Pierce County, Washington. PC2: provides resource links and follow-up/follow-along services for families; publishes a quarterly newsletter with relevant articles and information; publishes a comprehensive Resource Guide of services and supports; conducts educational meetings on a variety of topics; provides information at resource and vendor fairs throughout the county; provides a Home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; co-hosts an annual Legislative Forum for constituents to meet and speak with their elected officials; provides information on how the legislative process works and how your voice can make a difference; shows you how you can connect with legislators and how to advocate for yourself; helps families find their voice!
Pierce County Housing Authority provides safe, decent, affordable housing and economic opportunity, free from discrimination. The Pierce County Housing Authority is a public body, corporate and politic, created by Pierce County in 1978 pursuant to state statute to provide affordable housing for low-income families in Pierce County. Please visit our website for more information.
The mission of Rebuilding Together South Sound is: repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives with a vision of safe homes and communities for everyone. Rebuilding Together South Sound was established in 2001 and is part of the national Rebuilding Together organization. We are a volunteer, charitable group who repair or rebuild homes at no cost for low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, disabled or families with children. Rebuilding Together South Sound is governed by a 15-member volunteer board of directors and is staffed by an executive director, operations director, network and communications manager, program director, construction manager, project manager and three AmeriCorps members. Our affiliate is part of the national Rebuilding Together organization which has nearly 150 affiliates across the United States and annually completes home modifications and rehab to over 10,000 house and non-profits with the help of over 200,000 volunteers. Please visit our website for more information.
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.
THA envisions a future where everyone has an affordable, safe and nurturing home, where neighborhoods are attractive places to live, work, attend school, shop and play, and where everyone has the support they need to succeed as parents, students, wage earners and neighbors. THA provides high quality, stable and sustainable housing and supportive services to people in need. It does this in ways that help them prosper and help our communities become safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive and just. Please visit our website for more detailed program information.
Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium
The Tacoma Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium provides community education and advocacy to represent its members in expanding opportunities for non-profit corporations and others to finance, produce, and manage housing for low-income people. Our vision is for all residents of Tacoma Pierce County to have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing. Please visit our website for more information.
Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity has provided affordable homeownership opportunities to modest-income families and worked toward our goal of eliminating substandard housing in our region. Buying a Habitat for Humanity home is a unique opportunity. Before applying, future homeowners must first meet certain program requirements. We emphasize action and accountability. At every stage of the program, applicants must be willing to work hard - knowing that everything they do serves their future. Primary eligibility requirements: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Other criteria to consider: credit, residency, and COA/HOA membership. Please visit our website for more information on homeownership and homeowner workshops we provide.
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.
A one stop resource center for homeownership and foreclosure information specifically for Washington residents. Developed by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions with support from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Washington Department of Commerce. Programs include mediation, forclosure assistance, buying a home, refinancing, avoiding scams, abandoned and nuisances properties and who to contact.
