The City continues to connect residents who have experienced hardships during the pandemic to resources.
UPDATE 2/22/2023: The emergency rent assistance application portal through FORWARD (formerly LiveStories) stopped accepting applications on Wednesday, Feb. 22, due to funds being exhausted.
Please note: applicants with an active or pending application should contact FORWARD directly with any questions: FORWARD-support@forwardplatform.com or 1-855-582-3973.
Due to funding for these temporary, COVID-related assistance programs no longer being distributed by the federal and/or state government, it is not expected that the portal will re-open again to landlords/tenants residing within city limits. County residents outside of city limits can contact SNAP to determine what, if any, housing or utility assistance may be available at this time.
If you are in need of assistance, please research all available options for Spokane city and county residents. The following resources are some good places to start, depending on your specific circumstances and needs:
If you have questions about the City’s temporary rent and utility assistance programs, reach out to the city’s COVID Program Specialist, Laura O’Brien, at lobrien@spokancity.org.
| Emergency Rental Assistance (Treasury): | ERA 1 | ERA 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid out: Direct Assistance (Rent & Utilities) | $6,355,564 | $4,509,960 |
| Number of Households who received assistance: | 1051 | 1013 |
| Average number of months assistance provided: | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| TRAP 1 & TRAP 2 (Commerce) | T-RAP 1.0 | T-RAP 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid out: Direct Assistance (Rent & Utilities) | $7,993,134 | $8,463,435 |
| Number of Households who received assistance: | 1248 | 1503 |
| Average number of months assistance provided: | 7.5 | 7.0 |
U-Help Assistance (water, sewer & refuse charges)
The City of Spokane's U-Help program provides low-income households with one-time emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills. Applications are reviewed for basic program requirements. The 2024 benefit amount is a one-time limit of $146 per year. For more information, customers can contact SNAP at 456-SNAP or 509.456.7627.
Interest Free Repayment Plans
Utility Billing can also provide repayment arrangements for our customers who apply and qualify. Repayment plans are subject to late fees until paid in full. Please contact 3-1-1 or 509.755.CITY (2489) for more information.
Below is a list of additional resources:
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.
The City of Spokane received $9.9 million from the state of Washington to fund necessary responses to the impacts of COVID-19. City Council asked citizens in a community survey to weigh in on their priorities. You can review how the community has been supported through these emergency response efforts by visiting the CARES Act Funding page.
