Home Base

Rental assistance is a crucial step in stopping the future pipeline into homelessness.

Because of COVID-19, a little over one out of four Seattle metro area households reported at the end of February 2021 that meeting household expenses is either “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult”. One in five had either “no confidence” or “slight confidence” in making next month’s rent payment.

Demographics of responses of “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult” in paying household expenses:

Asian	Hispanic/Latino	Black	Two or more races, other races	White
29\u0025	45\u0025	17\u0025	48\u0025	24\u0025

Demographics of overall % of households in survey:

Asian	Hispanic/Latino	Black	Two or more races, other races	White
13\u0025	11\u0025	5\u0025	6\u0025	64\u0025

BIPOC households in the Seattle metro area disproportionately reported in late Feb. that paying for usual household expenses during the pandemic was either “somewhat” or “very” difficult, reflecting inequitable financial security in the community. (Source)

Eviction moratoriums have prevented a widespread new influx of people into homelessness. However, despite a statewide eviction moratorium, rental debt is reaching staggering levels for families. Nationally, rental debt is at roughly $5,400 for people who are unemployed. An estimated 175,000-200,000 households in Washington are behind on rent and at risk of homelessness. The eviction moratoriums have been great, but back rent will still be due.

How It Works

With support from the Community Relief Fund and others, Home Base is providing rental assistance so people don’t fall behind and end up with a mountain of debt to repay after the COVID-19 crisis passes.

Using a multi-pronged approach, we get the word out about the availability of rental assistance to as many people and communities as possible.

Working collaboratively with tenants, landlords and other parties, the agency negotiates a plan to cover past rent, fees and other dues.

icon of a house with a person standing in front

The tenants are able to stay safely housed without worry of eviction, with goal of ensuring all parties are made whole and a potential eviction is prevented.

Because BIPOC households are disproportionately represented in those who have fallen behind (or are at risk of falling behind) on rent payments, we’re intentionally working with community-based organizations (CBOs) and others to expand outreach and accessibility to the program.

Success to Date

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way has supported thousands of households, covering back rent to help keep people securely housed and avoid potential eviction or homelessness once moratoriums lift.

10,000+ households helped with rental assistance.
76% of those helped were BIPOC-led households.
$33M dollars leveraged to keep people safely housed.
Avg. of 3 months of rental assistance provided.

The need in the community is still significant, however: as of March 2021, there were more than 5,000 households waiting for rental assistance. We expect that number to grow.

“You have literally saved me from becoming homeless, while supporting my efforts to retrain and gain employment. Thank you!!!!!!!”

A person unemployed due to pandemic, was planning to start living in their car in January before rental assistance kicked in.

“This is a tremendous relief”

Dad of three under the age of 10. Was working construction until he got COVID-19. Depleted savings to pay rent while balancing helping their kids in remote learning and searching for another job. Home Base able to negotiate payment with landlord.

“This is truly a miracle. I am most grateful and thankful. I don’t know what else to a say”

Single dad who lost his job after he and his daughter had COVID-19. Home Base was able to negotiate payment terms so he could continue paying partial rent and landlord waived $10K in back rent.

Our Goal

Reduce the Number of Unsheltered People by 50%

When people have access to emergency funds and representation, we all win—tenants stay in their homes, landlords receive their due and there are fewer people living on the streets.

With your support, we can help families avert crisis and stay in their homes.

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