In a significant move to combat the spectre of homelessness in Pierce County, the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center (MCFHC) has been designated to receive a substantial $6.3 million grant intended to prevent evictions. The source of these funds are detailed by Pierce County Human Services, which will disburse the allocation to administer the Eviction Prevention Program over a two-year period beginning this summer.
The announcement, released on Friday, states that MCFHC, a respected By and For Organization, is being recognized for their track record of high-quality service to marginalized populations and their impressive performance in exceeding contract expectations for households served. Soberingly, a resounding 97% of individuals and families who have received assistance from MCFHC over the past year have continued to keep a roof over their heads, with a disheartening albeit low 3% return to homelessness.
The primary aim of the Eviction Prevention Program, detailed in the announcement, is to avert evictions by providing one-time payment of rental arrears for low-income households. This program adopts a lottery-based selection process for participants, who must apply online monthly to potentially benefit from this vital lifeline. Yet it goes beyond mere financial aid; it integrates essential case management services and promotes legal aid events across the county, woven into the fabric of the program's comprehensive support.
