Kitsap County recently launched the largest-ever eviction prevention program, funded by approximately $18 million from several state and federal funding sources, providing financial support to low-income individuals who may be behind on rent and utilities.

“Helping individuals and families maintain their housing, and avoid the potential devastation of evictions, is the number one thing we can do to support our entire community on the path to recovery,” said Rob Gelder, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners.

The county has rolled all of the funding into a single program – the Kitsap Eviction Prevention Assistance program. There is a single Pre-Application that determines eligibility.

Kirsten Jewel, county Department of Human Services Housing and Homelessness division manager said tenants can catch up on rent, landlords can collect past due rent and to support communities against a tsunami of evictions.

To be eligible, households must have a total income of 50% or less of area median income and experienced a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For details go to kcowa.us/kepa.