Housing & Essential Needs
Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) provides access to essential needs items such as rent assistance, utility and transportation assistance, as well as hygiene products.
DSHS qualifies people for HEN; Share & Care House provides these services to Pierce County eligible participants. HEN is not an entitlement program, and program services are subject to funding availability and may be discontinued or reduced at any time. For those seeking HEN assistance outside of Pierce County, please the button below for a HEN directory by county.
How to enroll
Qualification for the HEN program is determined by DSHS. Applicants cannot be receiving any other government cash assistance such as SSI, TANF, Unemployment, etc. Applicants must be evaluated by DSHS and receive a referral letter before enrollment in program. Please visit your local DSHS office if you believe you meet the following requirements:
- Are unable to work for at least 90 days due to a physical / mental incapacity;
- Are at least 18 years old or, if under 18, legally emancipated or a member of a married couple;
- Meet income and resource requirements; and
- Meet citizenship / alien status requirements
What does HEN Provide?
The HEN program provides access to essential needs items and potential rental assistance for qualified applicants. HEN assistance may include:
- Limited rent and utility assistance;
- Move in costs;
- Personal health and hygiene items;
- Cleaning supplies; and
- Transportation assitance
Document Requirements
Must Be
Deemed incapacitated by DSHS. All applicants MUST currently be DSHS/HEN eligible, at-Risk of Homelessness or currently Homeless, and are referred to Share & Care House by DSHS Offices of Pierce County.
Must Have
A Government issued photo ID; Landlord Habitability Standards Certification if homeless or moving into new housing while in the HEN program; Pay or Vacate letter from your landlord indicating that you must vacate housing. The pay or vacate letter is only required if housed upon entry to the HEN program
Rental Assistance
Must provide either a lease, rental agreement, pay or vacate notice, eviction notice, or a completed certification of payment obligation from your family/friend. The person to whom you pay rent must also submit a W-9 form.
Utility Assistance
Must provide a utility bill, a utility shut off notice or late payment notice.
FAQ
HEN Frequently Asked Questions
No. The initial appointment is an eligibility screening for HEN qualification. If you meet the qualifications then you will be enrolled in the program when program openings are available.
No, All checks are mailed directly to landlords or utility companies.
Yes, as long as you are enrolled in HEN then you can access assistance.
You may be available to other forms of assistance in the HEN program other than housing assistance.